What is the main purpose of evaluation in education?

The main purpose of evaluation in education is to judge the extent of student achievement, as it provides a comprehensive means to determine how well students are meeting learning objectives and standards. Through evaluation, educators gather information that reflects a student's understanding of the material, skills acquired, and ability to apply what they've learned. This judgment helps identify both the strengths and areas for improvement in student performance, allowing teachers to make informed decisions about their instructional methods and any necessary interventions.

While reflecting on teaching strategies, assessing ongoing learning, and creating instructional materials are part of the educational process, the core focus of evaluation is centered around measuring student achievement. It uniquely emphasizes the need to quantify and qualify the learning outcomes, which is critical for guiding instruction and ensuring that students receive the support they need to succeed academically.