Formative Assessment for Undergraduate Medical Students

“Assessment” has various connotations, purposes and definitions. It is defined as “the process used by teachers and students to recognize and respond to student learning in order to enhance that learning, during the learning”.[i] It employs a variety of methods to collect, analyze and interpret information in order to evaluate, measure, and document the academic readiness, learning progress, and skill acquisition as a result of their educational experience. Objectives of Assessment: The objective of an assessment program is not limited to determination of whether a student has acquired enough knowledge and skills to be allowed to practice these independently. More importantly it provides this information which can be used to refine the educational program in order to improve subsequent learning and development of students. It also provides feedback to students, educators, parents, policy makers, and the public about the effectiveness of educational program