Student-Centred Assessment Plan

Assessments are any activity that a learner completes for which the instructor provides feedback to guide continuous learning. They evaluate learner progress in achieving the CLRs, but also identify gaps in learning so that the instructor can modify their teaching strategies and support. Therefore, thoughtful assessment design is vital to measuring student progression and should align with the CLRs. Assessments should be clearly aligned with a single CLR or multiple CLRs, meaning that there is a clear match between the CLR and what the assessment is intended to measure.

Questions to Guide Development:

  • Does each assessment measure if a learner has achieved the CLR (or multiple CLRs)?
  • Is each assessment written with clear, detailed instructions? Is the rationale or CLR identified?
  • Does each assessment include a relevant grading tool (allotted points, rubric, rating scale, etc.)?
  • Does the assessment plan demonstrate that each CLR will be evaluated multiple times?
  • Does the assessment plan include a variety of assessment methods, including opportunities for authentic and alternative assessments?
  • Is the assessment plan scaffolded? I.e., are learners provided opportunities for feedback through smaller, formative assessments?
  • Are learners provided options for completing assessments (e.g., choice of written, presentation, infographic, recording)?
  • In tests, are students provided with a variety of question types (e.g., multiple-choice, matching, short-answer, case study) or methods (e.g., take-home, skill demonstration)?
  • Does the assessment plan abide by Algonquin College policy AA13 Assessment and Evaluation of Student Learning?

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