What role do assessment tools have in identifying learning difficulties?

Assessment tools play a crucial role in identifying learning difficulties by systematically measuring a student's skills and abilities. These tools are designed to gather detailed information about a student's strengths and weaknesses, which can reveal specific areas where a student may be struggling. By analyzing the results of these assessments, educators can pinpoint learning obstacles that a student may encounter, allowing for timely interventions and the provision of additional support where necessary.

In contrast, other assessment functions, such as providing feedback during instruction, evaluating overall performance at the end of a course, or comparing performance with national averages, do not specifically target the identification of individual learning difficulties. Although these functions are valuable in their own right, they lack the focused approach needed to directly identify and address the specific needs of students who may require additional assistance. Thus, the primary purpose of the assessment tool in this context is to ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed.