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Match Learning Outcomes with Assessment

When designing assessment, it is vital to consider the topic or course learning outcomes and aims. A well designed set of learning outcomes will make the design of assessment tasks a great deal easier. For guidence on writing and developing Aims and Learning Outcomes, visit the Aims and Learning Outcomes pages in this site

Match the Aims of Higher Education

Assessment ought to foster learning congruent with the aims of higher education. Learning outcomes appropriate to higher education include:

• Higher order thinking
  Interpreting, translating, problem solving, critical reasoning
• Connection to the real world
  Application of theory to practical "real life" situations
• Collaboration
  Ability to work and converse with other students, teachers and discipline experts
• Metacognition
  Knowing what you know, knowing what you don't know, knowing how to learn
• Research
  Knowing how facts come to be facts and knowing how experts proceed in the discipline
• A disposition for life long learning
  Increased motivation to be active learners and an interest to continue to be consumers of research and further education.

Assessment should reinforce these characteristics.

Review Flinders Assessment Policy and Principles

Flinders University has a detailed Assessment Policy that outlines general principles, grading notations, issues related to addressing students' special needs and workload, etc. View the key principles at http://www.flinders.edu.au/ppmanual/education/edu.assess.htm

Choose Appropriate Assessment Methods

Consider a wide range of methods in light of your espouced teaching aims and learning outcomes. It is important to decide when to use any particular method individually or in combination. More than 80% of assessment in universities comprises essays, reports, and traditional time-constrained exams. Assessment that is 'fit for purpose' uses the best method of assessment appropriate to the context, the students, the level, the subject and the institution.

Types of assessment methods

This PDF is a table describes the values and limitations of different types of assessment methods that can be used along with a guideline to assist you in choosing the most appropriate type to suit your purposes.

Purposes of Assessment
Consider why you wish to assess. This will influence the type of assessment and strategy you will ultimately use.