Goals

1. Describe assessment, measurement, and evaluation (AME; pronounced “aim”)

2. Explain how these three concepts work together.

3. Skillfully integrate them

   1. For your own learning.
   2. For teaching others.

What?

Here are some definitions as they apply to learning.

Assessment

The process of identifying strengths and ideas for improvement in ways that lead to improvements in the knowledge or performance of the learner.

Measurement

Measurement refers to assigning a number or label to learning that indicates the extent of the learning. For example, 40% might indicate that the learner is 40% done.

Evaluation

The process of determining if the learner has met a set of standards, typically to see if they are done learning. Example: A driver’s test is used to determine if a person should be issued a driver’s license.

Rationale

Skilled use of the AME tools equips you in part to become competent or skilled with X, where X is anything that can be learned.

Similarly, this equips you in part with the skills to guide others to competence.

Aligning AME (How To)

Use assessment and measurement on an ongoing basis for your own learning and for the learning of others in ways that result in

1. Ongoing improvements in knowledge and performance.

2. Positive affect. Enjoyment. Satisfaction.

In general, when learning is just starting, use lots of assessment and very little or no measurement. As the learner progresses towards mastery, start adding in measurement.

Only use evaluation to determine if standards are met.

ChatGPT revisions

Goals Recap

1. Describe the terms: Assessment, Measurement, and Evaluation (AME).

2. Explain how these three work together to support learning.

3. Integrate them skillfully for:

   • Your own learning.

   • Teaching others.

What Is AME?

Assessment

• Definition: A tool for identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

• Purpose: To guide learning by providing feedback that leads to improvement.

• Examples: Reflective questions, peer feedback, self-checks.

Measurement

• Definition: Quantifying progress with numbers or labels.

• Purpose: To track how much has been learned or completed.

• Examples: Scores, percentages, completion bars (e.g., “40% done”).

Evaluation

• Definition: Determining whether a learning standard has been met.

• Purpose: To make decisions about readiness or completion.

• Examples: Driver’s test, final exam, project rubric.

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How They Work Together

Think of AME as a sequence with increasing stakes:

• Assessment (low-stakes, frequent): “How can I improve?”

• Measurement (medium-stakes, periodic): “How much have I improved?”

• Evaluation (high-stakes, occasional): “Am I done? Have I met the goal?”

These tools form a feedback loop:

• Assessment generates insights.

• Measurement tracks progress over time.

• Evaluation marks endpoints or transitions.

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How to Use AME Effectively

For Your Own Learning

• Begin with assessment-heavy strategies like journaling, practice problems, or feedback from a mentor.

• Once momentum builds, introduce measurement to quantify your progress.

• Use evaluation only to decide when you’ve reached a milestone or are ready to move on.

Example: Learning Python

• Assessment: Am I writing clear functions? Can I explain my code?

• Measurement: How many practice projects completed? What percentage of course content is done?

• Evaluation: Can I build a full app on my own?

For Teaching Others

• Create a safe learning environment by using assessment to encourage reflection and growth.

• Introduce measurement tools when the learner is ready to track progress and celebrate wins.

• Use evaluation to help determine readiness for advancement, not to punish or label.

Example: Teaching someone to drive

• Assessment: “How smooth are your lane changes?”

• Measurement: “You’ve completed 10 of 12 driving lessons.”

• Evaluation: “You passed the driving test—here’s your license!”

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Key Guidelines

• Start with assessment, not grades or scores.

• Introduce measurement gradually as confidence and skill grow.

• Use evaluation sparingly, only when you need a yes/no answer to “Are we there yet?”

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Why AME Matters

• It helps learners improve, not just perform.

• It supports positive emotions—curiosity, confidence, and satisfaction.

• It’s a universal toolset for mastering any skill and helping others do the same.

“Assessment tells you where to go.

Measurement shows how far you’ve come.

Evaluation says whether you’ve arrived.”

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Let me know if you’d like this formatted into a one-pager, slideshow, or ready-to-print handout! 😊