What does "learner-centered assessment" emphasize?

Learner-centered assessment emphasizes assessments that focus on learners' needs and abilities, making it a crucial approach in educational settings that prioritize the individual learner's experience. This type of assessment is designed to tailor evaluation methods to better meet the learning styles, preferences, and specific goals of each student.

By centering the assessment around the learner, educators can provide more relevant feedback and support that encourages personal growth and mastery of content. This approach recognizes that each learner comes with unique backgrounds, strengths, and challenges, which should be acknowledged and accommodated to facilitate optimal learning outcomes.

In contrast, assessments designed solely by instructors may not take into account the diverse needs of learners, thereby limiting student engagement and effectiveness. Standardized testing typically applies a one-size-fits-all methodology, which might overlook individual learning differences. Additionally, ignoring cultural backgrounds can create assessments that are not sensitive to the varied contexts in which students live and learn, further disadvantaging certain groups.

By focusing on the personal learning journey and distinct needs of each learner, learner-centered assessment aims to enhance educational experiences and foster a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.