21st century teaching and learning assessment

 The 21st century has brought transformative changes to teaching and learning assessment, emphasizing skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Traditional assessment methods, such as standardized tests, are increasingly being complemented or replaced by more holistic and formative approaches that reflect these new educational priorities.

In Bhutan, the Royal Education Council has spearheaded efforts to reform assessment practices in line with Gross National Happiness (GNH) principles. This involves integrating values-based education and assessing not only academic proficiency but also students' well-being and social skills. A notable initiative is the continuous assessment system introduced in Bhutanese schools, which accounts for 40% of the final grade, encouraging regular feedback and personal development over mere rote learning.

Globally, there is a significant shift towards formative assessments, which provide ongoing feedback to students and inform instruction. For instance, Finland’s education system, often lauded for its success, relies heavily on formative assessment rather than high-stakes standardized tests. Finnish students undergo fewer standardized tests, focusing instead on teacher-led assessments and personalized learning plans, fostering a more supportive and less stressful learning environment.

Data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) indicates that countries embracing these progressive assessment strategies tend to perform well in international benchmarks like the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). For example, Singapore, which blends formative and summative assessments, consistently ranks high in PISA scores, highlighting the efficacy of a balanced approach.

In conclusion, the 21st century demands a rethinking of assessment methods to align with new educational goals. Bhutan’s integration of GNH values into its assessment system and the global shift towards formative assessments underscore the importance of evaluating both academic and non-academic skills to prepare students for the complexities of the modern world.