What is attitudinal bias in the context of assessment?

Attitudinal bias in the context of assessment refers to pre-conceived notions about a student's success in an assessment. This is significant because such biases can influence a teacher's expectations and interactions with students, leading to skewed evaluations that do not accurately reflect a student's true abilities or potential. For instance, if a teacher believes that a student from a particular background is less capable or likely to succeed, they may unintentionally communicate lower expectations through their feedback or interactions. This can perpetuate a cycle of underperformance, as the student's self-perception and motivation may be negatively affected.

Understanding attitudinal bias is crucial for educators, as it emphasizes the need for awareness and reflection on one’s biases to ensure fair and equitable assessments for all students. Educators can work to mitigate this type of bias by fostering a growth mindset in themselves and their students, thereby promoting an environment where all individuals are viewed through the same lens of potential and capability.