subjective assessment and objective assessment

 

Here’s a clear comparison between subjective assessment and objective assessment, especially relevant in education (including teacher education and learning evaluation):

1. Subjective Assessment

Definition:
An assessment based on personal judgment, interpretation, or opinion of the assessor.

Key Characteristics:

• Influenced by the evaluator’s perspective
• May vary between assessors
• Focuses on qualitative aspects

Examples:

• Essay grading
• Oral presentations
• Interviews
• Reflective journals
• Classroom participation
• Peer or self-assessment

Advantages:

• Captures deep understanding, creativity, and critical thinking
• Suitable for complex skills (reflection, attitudes, values)
• Flexible and context-sensitive

Limitations:

• Potential bias
• Lower reliability if criteria are unclear
• Requires well-designed rubrics to improve fairness

2. Objective Assessment

Definition:
An assessment with clear, fixed answers and minimal assessor judgment.

Key Characteristics:

• Standardized scoring
• High reliability and consistency
• Focuses on quantitative measurement

Examples:

• Multiple-choice tests
• True/false questions
• Matching items
• Standardized exams
• Automated quizzes

Advantages:

• Fair and consistent scoring
• Efficient for large groups
• Easy to analyze statistically

Limitations:

• Limited in measuring higher-order thinking
• Less effective for creativity and complex reasoning
• May encourage rote memorization

3. Key Differences at a Glance

Aspect	Subjective Assessment	Objective Assessment
Basis	Personal judgment	Fixed, correct answers
Scoring	Interpretive	Standardized
Bias	Higher risk	Minimal
Reliability	Moderate	High
Skills Measured	Critical thinking, reflection, attitudes	Knowledge recall, basic understanding
Example Tool	Rubrics, portfolios	MCQs, standardized tests

4. Best Practice in Education

In 21st-century and AI-era education, especially for future elementary school teachers, combining both is recommended:

• Objective → assess foundational knowledge
• Subjective → assess professional judgment, creativity, ethics, and reflective practice

Using clear rubrics, AI-assisted scoring, and multiple assessors can reduce bias in subjective assessments while keeping their richness.