What should Assessment for Learning achieve?

When used effectively the following outcomes should be generated. 

Students should

• show changes in their attitudes to learning and in their motivation, self-esteem, independence, initiative and confidence
  
• show changes in their responses to questions, in contributions to plenary sessions, and in explanations and descriptions
• improve their attainment
  
• ask relevant questions
  
• are actively involved in formative assessment processes, eg setting targets, peer or self-assessment, recognising progress in their written work, skills, knowledge and understanding.

(Reference:  http://www.qca .org.uk/295.html )