Is self-assessment effective in enhancing student learning?

Abstract

It has been argued that self-assessment deepens student learning. This study examined that proposition through online assessment of an assignment in a first year course, with a large percentage (85%) of students enrolled in a distance mode. The aim of the study was to examine the effectiveness of self-assessment in student learning. One hundred and fifty-two students completed a self-assessment of their assignment using assessment guidelines, a marking rubric and model answers. The learning effectiveness of self-assessment was appraised through content analyses of student comments in the self-assessment, and in a survey. In this study, self-assessment of the assignment was found to be effective in enhancing student self-awareness and engaging students in metacognitive processes. Most survey respondents agreed that self-assessment helps students identify the strengths and the weaknesses of assignment answers and highlights areas where performance could be improved. Overall, self-assessment of the assignment was shown to be effective in positively influencing student learning in this learning environment.