Main purpose of assessment is to :

Correct option is D

The main purpose of assessment is to gather information about a student's learning and development in order to provide feedback that can help both the student and the teacher. Assessments are designed to understand where students are excelling and where they may be facing challenges, thus allowing educators to adjust teaching methods to better support individual learning needs. It is an ongoing process aimed at improving student learning rather than merely labeling them as ‘pass’ or ‘fail.’

Information Booster:

1. Assessment helps in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of students.
2. It allows teachers to modify their instructional strategies for better outcomes.
3. Assessments can be formative (ongoing) or summative (final evaluation).
4. It provides insights into student engagement and understanding.
5. Effective assessment promotes growth by guiding students towards their learning goals.

Additional Knowledge:

• (a) Create a feeling of competition among students: While competition might be a byproduct of some forms of assessment, it is not the primary goal. The focus should be on learning and improvement, not rivalry.
• (b) Induce fear of failure among students: Assessment should be a constructive process, helping students understand their progress without instilling fear. Fear-based assessment often results in stress and disengagement from learning.
• (c) Categorise students as ‘pass’ or ‘fail’: While summative assessments may result in a pass/fail designation, this is a limited view of assessment's purpose. Assessment is about ongoing feedback and support rather than simple categorization.
• (d) Understand students' progress and challenges in learning process: This is the most accurate description of the purpose of assessment. By focusing on progress, teachers can provide targeted support, ensuring all students reach their potential.