ABSTRACT

In this chapter, we describe some of the most common forms of self-assessment used in schools, highlighting strengths and weaknesses associated with each. These include the following:

Estimating future performance

Simple self-ratings

Self-marking

Self-assessment templates

Self-assessment scripts

Rubric-guided self-assessment

We argue that it may be most effective to begin with simpler techniques (i.e., estimates of future performance, simple self-ratings, self-marking) around relatively objective aspects of student work (e.g., correct answers on spelling or mathematics tasks). However, the ultimate goal of self-assessment is that it will enable students to make and justify nuanced qualitative judgments. Hence, we argue that it is important to help students move beyond simple versions of self-assessment after they have developed a basic level of competence, enabling them to effectively self-assess throughout all phases of complex tasks requiring subtle judgments.?