Methods of assessing student learning have undergone tremendous changes throughout history, as a function of changing educational philosophies, societal needs, and technological changes. For a long time, the assessment of students was mainly based on summative examinations that emphasized factual recall. However, such an approach was soon discovered to be inadequate in encapsulating the complexity of learning. This, therefore, prompted the development of formative assessment methodologies that emphasized feedback and skills development in critical thinking. This is further transformed by the rise of technology into online assessment, personalized learning tools, and data-driven approaches to track student progress. The paper will trace historical changes in student assessment from the traditional exam to the modern, formative, and digital assessment methods. It also discusses how these changes in assessment have influenced student learning outcomes and highlights challenges and opportunities associated with contemporary assessment practices. The evolution of student assessment represents a broader understanding of education, which also includes continuous improvement, diverse learning styles, and personalized learning paths.

student assessment, formative assessment, summative assessment, historical changes, educational practices, technology in education, learning outcomes, personalized learning, assessment evolution

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