Assessment is a euphemism for ``grades.'' It is especially hard to gain accurate assessment of individuals in the team environments. Often, team members don't want to ``rat'' on a member not pulling their share of the load. Sometimes, a super-competent will bypass the entire team in the name of greater efficiency or some other excuse.
For these reasons, there are requirements to document individual accomplishment throughout the semester. This very same thing will occur in industry, as you will have to convince your boss that you did enough to earn a raise, corner window, etc.
Ideas about Assessment: