Answer:
- Continuous Evaluation: SBA involves ongoing assessment throughout the academic year, rather than relying on a single high-stakes external exam. This approach allows students to showcase their understanding of the subject matter incrementally. As a result, the pressure is distributed over time, and students are less likely to experience intense stress leading up to a single pivotal exam. Students can focus on learning and improvement without the intense pressure of "making or breaking" their academic performance in a single instance.
- Varied Assessment Methods: SBA encompasses a range of assessment methods, including projects, presentations, group work, practical assignments, and more. This diversity allows students to demonstrate their skills and understanding through multiple means. Not all students excel at traditional exam formats, and SBA provides a more inclusive way for different learning styles to shine. By catering to different strengths, SBA can reduce the fear of one-size-fits-all exams and associated anxiety.
- Formative Feedback: SBA often involves formative assessment, which provides timely and constructive feedback to students about their progress. This feedback loop allows students to identify their strengths and areas for improvement, promoting a growth mindset and a focus on learning rather than just achieving high scores. The emphasis on improvement rather than just outcomes helps alleviate the pressure of striving for perfection in a high-stakes exam setting.
Step-by-step explanation:
In conclusion, school-based assessment offers a more comprehensive, inclusive, and continuous approach to evaluating students' learning progress. By spreading assessment over time, employing varied assessment methods, and emphasizing formative feedback, SBA can significantly reduce the pressure associated with the high-stakes nature of external examinations. This approach promotes a healthier learning environment and encourages students to engage more deeply in their studies without the undue stress of a single exam determining their academic fate.