Glossary / Lexicon

Diagnostic test/assessment refers to a test which is used for the purposes of discovering a learner's specific strengths or weaknesses. The results may be used in making decisions on future training, learning or teaching. The aim of diagnostic assessment is to reveal an underlying problem in learning or to find out about the learner's ways of learning, in order to help her/him achieve learning aims. This more detailed, in-depth type of formative assessment was called 'taking a closer look' in the original 5-14 assessment guidance. There are many forms of published 'diagnostic tests', but, in the ordinary course of teaching, the teacher's interaction and discussion with a pupil is often the most effective basis for this process