ABSTRACT
Assessment is a normal part of the teaching/learning process, yet it can be a very challenging part of the process. All the new teachers in our study found assessment difficult and in many cases were overwhelmed by it. In addition to the sheer amount of time it took to assess pupils and write report cards, part of the challenge was knowing what to look for and how to assign a grade. These many aspects caused a fair bit of anxiety. Assessment of pupils is a very high priority in teaching and teacher education; however, there is considerable disagreement over precisely what form it should take and what role it should play.