What is a benefit of self-assessment for learners in online courses?

Self-assessment in online courses offers significant benefits, particularly by encouraging self-reflection among learners. This process prompts students to evaluate their understanding, strengths, and areas for improvement. Through self-assessment, learners engage in introspection about their learning experiences, which helps them identify what they know well and where they may need to focus their efforts for further development. Such reflection aids in personalizing the learning journey, allowing students to take ownership of their learning process, set goals, and develop critical thinking skills.

While higher grades, minimized instructor involvement, and standardized learning outcomes can be factors in some learning environments, they do not capture the intrinsic value that self-reflection brings to the learning experience. Self-assessment fosters a deeper engagement with the material and contributes to lifelong learning skills that extend beyond the confines of the course.