Arviointisana

An arviointisana is a term used in Finnish education, literally translating to "assessment word" or "evaluation word." It refers to a specific word or short phrase that a teacher uses to provide feedback on a student's work. These words are not typically part of a formal grading system but rather serve as concise indicators of a student's performance or effort.

The purpose of an arviointisana is to offer quick, qualitative feedback without needing to write extensive comments. Examples might include words like "hyvä" (good), "selkeä" (clear), "kehittämisen varaa" (room for development), or "tarkempi" (more precise). Teachers use these words to highlight strengths, suggest areas for improvement, or prompt further thought or action from the student.

Arviointisana can be applied to various types of schoolwork, from written assignments and essays to oral presentations and even classroom participation. They are intended to be easily understood by students and to guide their learning process. While informal, they are a part of the feedback culture in Finnish schools, aiming to support student development and understanding of their own progress. The effectiveness of an arviointisana often depends on the teacher's ability to use them consistently and meaningfully, and the student's understanding of what each word signifies within the context of the assignment.