Another important distinction is between instruction, assessment, and evaluation.

Remember that assessment refers to the collection of data to describe or better understand an issue whereas evaluation refers to the comparison of data to a standard for the purpose of judging worth or quality. Instruction is defined as "the purposeful direction of student learning" and is one of the three major categories of teacher classroom behavior (the other two are planning and management.) Instruction, then, is providing experiences for learners that will allow them to successfully move from their present level of knowledge, skill, etc. to a desired level. It is an active process involving both teachers and students moving towards specific desired end results. In relation to instruction, assessment is the collection of data before, during, and after instruction. Evaluation is the process of making judgments at these specified times. When done before instruction we might make decisions as to a student's having the pre-requisite skills or the necessary aptitude to learn the material in the specified time allotted. During instruction, we might make decisions about the appropriateness of the student effort or student learning. After instruction, we can make decisions about whether or not the student has mastered the material sufficiently to go on to the next learning experience.