What is the Difference Between Self-Assessment and Peer Assessment? Develop a Rubric for Self-Assessment of Written Tasks in the Subject You Teach at the Secondary Level
Introduction
Assessment is a critical part of the learning process. Among the many forms of assessment, self-assessment and peer assessment encourage students to take responsibility for their learning. Both help build metacognitive skills, foster critical thinking, and improve academic performance.
Self-Assessment
Self-assessment is the process where students evaluate their own work. It helps them reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, set personal learning goals, and identify areas for improvement.
Key Features:
- Encourages self-reflection and responsibility
- Improves critical thinking and decision-making skills
- Helps students set realistic learning goals
Peer Assessment
Peer assessment involves students assessing each other’s work based on agreed criteria. It promotes collaborative learning and helps learners understand different perspectives.
Key Features:
- Provides diverse feedback
- Enhances understanding of assessment standards
- Fosters communication and teamwork
Difference Between Self-Assessment and Peer Assessment
| Aspect | Self-Assessment | Peer Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluator | The student themselves | Another student (peer) |
| Focus | Self-reflection and improvement | Collaborative feedback and learning |
| Skill Development | Metacognition, goal-setting | Communication, critical analysis |
| Bias | May be subjective or lenient | Can reflect peer dynamics |
Rubric for Self-Assessment of Written Tasks (English Language – Secondary Level)
Task: Write an essay on a current social issue
| Criteria | Excellent (4) | Good (3) | Satisfactory (2) | Needs Improvement (1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content Relevance | Fully relevant and insightful | Mostly relevant with some insights | Partially relevant, lacks depth | Off-topic or unclear |
| Organization | Well-structured with logical flow | Good structure with minor lapses | Basic structure, lacks flow | Disorganized |
| Grammar and Vocabulary | Accurate and varied usage | Few grammatical errors | Several errors, affects clarity | Frequent errors |
| Creativity | Original ideas well expressed | Some original thoughts | Limited originality | Minimal creativity |
| Conclusion | Clear and impactful | Clear but not strong | Basic conclusion | Missing or unclear |
Conclusion
Self-assessment and peer assessment empower students to take charge of their learning journey. A well-designed rubric not only guides them in evaluating their performance but also helps teachers in providing targeted feedback for improvement.