What does Criterion-Referenced Evaluation focus on?

Criterion-Referenced Evaluation is primarily concerned with assessing an individual's performance against defined standards or criteria, rather than comparing their performance to that of others. This approach focuses on whether learners meet specific learning goals or objectives, allowing for an accurate assessment of knowledge, skills, or competencies according to predetermined benchmarks.

By emphasizing preset standards, Criterion-Referenced Evaluation ensures that the evaluation is aligned with the specific outcomes that educators or evaluators intend to measure. This method provides a clear understanding of what is required to achieve success and helps inform instruction and learning strategies, making it a valuable tool in educational settings and assessments.

In contrast, other evaluation methods may involve comparative measures or the ranking of individuals based on group performance or norms, which is not the focus of Criterion-Referenced Evaluation. Such comparative approaches, like those based on bell curves or group norms, do not provide information on individual progress toward specific standards.