The top 2023 assessment trends center around technology and increase student autonomy and freedom within their learning experience. For educators, understanding these trends and how they can benefit or present challenges to students is an important piece of effectively utilizing these trends.
Of course, not all 2023 student evaluation trends are beneficial, useful, or even necessary. Teachers always need to consider if the new piece of technology or new teaching strategy will benefit students in the long run. Four of the most beneficial digital assessment trends in 2023 will include:
Implementing New Technologies
In the past decade, there has been a rapid growth of ed-tech tools and platforms, and this trend is likely to continue in the coming years. Here are some of the key technology trends that we may see in 2023:
Virtual and augmented reality – Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way that students learn. By providing immersive, interactive learning experiences, VR and AR can make subjects like history and science come to life in a way that is not possible with traditional methods.
Adaptive learning – Adaptive learning technologies use algorithms to personalize the learning experience for each individual student. By tracking a student’s progress and adapting the material to their needs and abilities, adaptive learning can help students learn at their own pace and stay motivated.
Online learning – The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online learning, and this trend is likely to continue in the coming years. With advances in video conferencing and other technologies, it is now possible for students to attend classes and complete coursework entirely online.
Artificial intelligence – Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform education by automating routine tasks, such as grading assignments and providing feedback. AI can also be used to create personalized learning experiences for students, by adapting the material to their needs and abilities.
Mobile learning – The increasing availability of smartphones and other mobile devices has made it possible for students to access learning materials and resources anytime, anywhere. This trend is likely to continue in the coming years, as more and more schools adopt mobile learning technologies.
The ed-tech landscape is likely to continue to evolve and grow in the coming years, as new assessment trends emerge and teachers and students find new ways to incorporate them into the learning process. A key for educators is to be adaptable and flexible and keep student learning at the center of all technology-based decisions.
Student-Centered Learning
Student-centered learning will be a hallmark of education in 2023 because of the increasing recognition of the importance of personalized learning and the need to meet the diverse needs of today’s students brought on by the pandemic. With advances in technology, teachers have more tools at their disposal to create personalized learning experiences for their students. For example, teachers may use adaptive learning software that adjusts the difficulty of assignments based on the student’s performance, or they may use virtual reality or other immersive technologies to create interactive, engaging learning experiences.
One of the key benefits of student-centered learning is that it allows students to take an active role in their education. Instead of simply receiving information from the teacher, students are encouraged to ask questions, explore topics that interest them, and take ownership of their learning. This can lead to increased motivation and engagement, as well as deeper understanding and retention of the material.
Student-centered learning can also help to create a more inclusive learning environment. By focusing on the needs and abilities of each individual student, teachers can ensure that all students are able to participate and succeed in the learning process. This can be particularly important for students who may have learning challenges or who come from diverse backgrounds.
Developing Non-Cognitive Skills
Unlike cognitive skills, which are typically measured through tests and grades, non-cognitive skills are more difficult to quantify. However, research has shown that these skills are critical for academic and personal success. Students who have strong non-cognitive skills are more likely to be engaged in their studies, to persevere when faced with challenges, and to be successful in school and in their future careers.
There are a number of ways that schools can support the development of non-cognitive skills in students. One approach is to provide opportunities for students to practice and develop these skills through hands-on, experiential learning activities. For example, students might work on projects that require collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Another approach is to create a positive and supportive learning environment that promotes the development of non-cognitive skills. This might involve things like providing opportunities for students to take on leadership roles, promoting a growth mindset, and teaching students strategies for managing their emotions and regulating their behavior.
Non-cognitive learning is an important aspect of education that is often overlooked, but that is critical for helping students develop the skills and attitudes that they need to be successful in school and in life. By supporting the development of non-cognitive skills, schools can help students become more resilient, self-directed, and motivated learners.
Using Data
Using data in education refers to the practice of collecting, analyzing, and using information about students, teachers, and schools to inform decision-making and improve educational outcomes. Data can be collected from a variety of sources, including standardized tests, student assessments, teacher evaluations, and school records.
One of the main benefits of using data in education is that it can help to identify areas of strength and weakness and target resources and interventions where they are needed most. For example, if data shows that a particular group of students is consistently performing poorly on a particular subject, teachers and administrators can use this information to identify the root causes of the problem and develop strategies for improvement.
Data can also be used to inform instructional decision-making and to personalize learning for individual students. For example, teachers might use data on a student’s progress and abilities to tailor their instruction and to provide additional support or enrichment as needed.
Using data in education can be a powerful tool for improving student outcomes and closing achievement gaps, technology through platforms like Open Assessment Technologies allows educators to leverage large data sets and perform deep analysis based on standards-linked content.
The Bottom Line
A new year in education brings new digital assessment trends as new technologies are developed and designed to meet the needs of students and enhance learning. As with anything new in education it is important for teachers and administrators to weigh the pros and cons before implementing anything new. Although it can be difficult to predict which new assessment trends will stick, educators can rest assured that new technologies, student-centered learning, developing non-cognitive skills, and using data are trends that are here to stay.
While it can be challenging to adapt and learn new technology, OAT is here to help. If you would like to learn more about how Open Assessment Technologies can improve your student’s learning experience, click here.
