Why Traditional Assessment Fails—And How Co-Creation Drives Ownership and Better Work

What if assessment wasn’t just about measuring learning—but actually deepened it?

Traditional assessment often fails because it's something done to students rather than with them; leading to disengagement, surface-level work, and a lack of real ownership. Rigid rubrics, one-size-fits-all grading, and limited student input leave learners disconnected from their own progress, making assessment more about compliance than growth.

But what if assessment could be different? Research shows that when students actively participate in learning design, failure rates drop from 32% to 21%, and assessment performance improves significantly.

That’s exactly what Mehak, an international educator and assessment innovator, experienced when she shifted from teacher-driven evaluation to co-created assessment. She shares how this simple shift fosters ownership, motivation, and more authentic collaboration—all while keeping learning goals on track. We learn: 

• How co-creating success criteria makes assessment more meaningful
• Why student-led rubrics increase engagement and quality of work
• How peer and self-assessment drive accountability and reflection
• The shift from teacher-as-evaluator to teacher-as-facilitator

Curious how this shift can improve self-directed learning and work quality in your classroom? Tune into our short conversation.

Access the High-Quality Assessment Checklist: High-Quality Assessment Audit

Get the 12 Shifts Book: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Shifts-Student-Centered-Environments/dp/1032484713 

Mehak's Bio: Mehak Temur is a seasoned educator specializing in the Primary Years, with a strong background in mathematics and technology integration. Her roles as an IB PYP Learning and Teaching Coordinator, Numeracy Coordinator, and Project-Based Learning Facilitator reflect her dedication to student-centered learning with real-world applications. Certified in Inquiry-Based Learning, Concept-Based Learning, Assessment, Google Educator, and Inclusive Education, Mehak brings a wealth of expertise to her work. Her active involvement in program evaluation enables her to address diverse learning needs, meet curricular requirements, and promote inclusivity. With a focus on using technology to enhance math education and problem-solving skills, Mehak’s teaching philosophy emphasizes lifelong learning, equipping students for life beyond the classroom, and fostering responsible, well-rounded individuals.