väliarviointi

Väliarviointi, a Finnish term, translates to "interim assessment" or "mid-term evaluation" in English. It refers to a formal or informal process of reviewing progress, performance, or status at a point before the final completion of a project, task, or period. The purpose of a väliarviointi is to provide feedback, identify potential issues or successes early on, and allow for adjustments to be made to ensure the desired outcome is achieved.

In educational contexts, väliarviointi might be a mid-term exam, a progress report on a student's learning, or a review of a course's effectiveness midway through its duration. It helps educators understand if students are grasping the material and if teaching methods need modification. For students, it offers an opportunity to gauge their own understanding and identify areas requiring more attention before the final assessment.

Beyond education, väliarviointi is applied in professional settings. Project managers frequently conduct interim reviews to assess if a project is on schedule, within budget, and meeting its objectives. This allows for course correction if deviations are detected. Similarly, in performance management, employees might undergo interim reviews to discuss their progress towards goals and receive feedback on their work, separate from the annual appraisal. The core function remains consistent: to evaluate, reflect, and adapt before the ultimate conclusion.