• Recognize purpose of assessments
• Define Authentic Assessments
• Recognize the relationship of the performance objective to the assessment
• Review training on Blackboard assessment methods
• For each of the performance objectives in your lesson, select the assessment method and blackboard tools to be used
  

What are Assessments and why should we use them?

Assessments are an integral part of the learning process. Many have argued that a well designed assessment reveals how effectively learning and teaching is taking place in the classroom. In most cases, assessments provide the status of student’s learning and understanding of the course material. This is assessment of learning. Another type of assessment is that done for learning i.e., assessments that are designed to enhance learning and instruction. Literature states that a good balance between these two types of assessments is important in the teaching/learning process. Selecting assessments and methods then becomes a crucial step in knowing whether learning has in fact occurred.

The primary and immediate goal is to choose an assessment method which most effectively assesses the learning objectives of the lesson. While choosing an assessment method, it is important not only to look at the performance objectives of the unit but to also look at the overall picture of what students within the program are to accomplish. These may include program and professional competencies, and development of a particular vocational skill or skill sets. Therefore while the natural inclination is to align performance objectives to assessment, it is crucial that courses that are part of a larger academic program curriculum relate and complement each other in terms of assessment methods.

So what then is Authentic Assessment?

Application of knowledge gained through learning in assessment tasks that resemble real world activities is called authentic assessment. Authentic assessment is also known by terms such as performance assessment, alternative or direct assessment. For more information on the differences between authentic and traditional assessment, read this article.

What is the relationship between performance objectives and assessments?

As mentioned in the previous unit, well written goals and performance objectives become the blueprint for a course. Classifying performance objectives by knowledge type in relation to cognitive processes (think Bloom’s Taxonomy) assists teachers obtain a better understanding about intended learning, and equips them to design appropriate instruction and assessment methods to meet these objectives. The assessment method selected should measure the stated performance objectives and be consistent with the course learning activities and goals. Assessments, learning/performance objectives, and learning activities should be clearly aligned for true instructional integrity. Review a narrated presentation, Matching Assessments to performance objectives that outlines the relationship of performance objectives and assessments.

How can I select the right assessment method(s)?

Assessment methods can include a wide array of assessments, some of which are objective and subjective testing, self-assessment, practice assignments, group/team exercises, participation and peer review. Read over this list of assessment methods. So how do you decide on which one to use for your unit? How would you consider one method over the other? Once again, a well written learning/performance objective serves us in this task. In addition to performance objectives, a look inward at your teaching style, what it is that you want students to achieve, how much weight an assessment would carry, its significance in the overall course grade, what assessment method best fits your students learning, the number of students completing the assessment are all important questions to think about while selecting an assessment method. The right answers lies somewhere in the answers to these questions.

What resources are available for selecting assessments?

Aligning course goals, objectives and assessments is the single most important factor while creating a lesson. If you recall, we covered Blackboard Assessment Tools in Module 1, review these tools to see what assessment tools available within Blackboard will best meet the needs of your lesson. A chart for selecting assessment methods based on Blooms Taxonomy is provided for your assistance.

Learning Activity #1:
Using the chart for selecting assessment methods, complete the Matching Assessments to Performance Objectives worksheet and submit the worksheet using the Assignment Tool. An ETA instructional designer will review your work and provide individual feedback.

To assess if true learning has taken place, instructors must keep in mind that in addition to assessment of learning, it is important to evaluate, the assessment for learning and constantly look at creative ways that students learning can be enhanced by assessments.

End of Unit 2.1