What is Direct/Indirect Assessment?
Direct and indirect assessments are two complementary approaches used to evaluate learning outcomes, performance, or skills in educational and professional settings.
Direct Assessment:
Involves measuring specific knowledge, skills, or behaviors through direct observation or examination
Examples: Standardized tests, performance tasks, portfolios, demonstrations
Provides concrete evidence of achievement or competency
Often used for summative evaluation and high-stakes decisions
Indirect Assessment:
Gathers information about perceived learning or experiences through self-reporting or secondary indicators
Examples: Surveys, interviews, focus groups, course evaluations
Offers insights into attitudes, perceptions, and experiences related to learning
Useful for formative evaluation and program improvement
Comparison:
Data type: Direct (quantitative) vs. Indirect (often qualitative)
Objectivity: Direct tends to be more objective; Indirect can be subjective
Timing: Direct often at specific points; Indirect can be ongoing
Depth: Direct shows what was learned; Indirect why or how learning occurred
Best practices often involve using both direct and indirect assessments to gain a comprehensive understanding of learning outcomes and educational effectiveness.