“A really good assignment, which is also a really good assessment, also teaches you something.“
Hello, faculty!
Hang in there-December is approaching…
This week we are going to look at rethinking assessments. Assessments serve an important purpose in evaluating an individual’s understanding, skills, and competencies in a specific context. Whether in the realm of education, professional development, or various fields, assessments aim to measure knowledge acquisition, problem-solving abilities, and application of concepts. They provide tools to gauge a person’s performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and offer insights into areas for improvement. Beyond measuring quantitative achievements, assessments can also capture qualitative aspects such as critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. However, assessments do not have to be designed in the traditional form. In education today, assessments can be designed to go beyond papers, tests, and quizzes. Read through this week’s newsletter to discover new ways to assess students.
-The ID Team
CITS | Instructional Development
Who:
For instructors, designing creative assessments is a great way to reimagine teaching and learning and fully engage students with assignments and assessments. Creative assignments go beyond traditional evaluation methods by encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving in novel ways, promoting innovation, and reflecting real-world challenges. These assessments can provide a tailored learning experience, aligning with specific objectives and emphasizing various intelligences, including visual-spatial and interpersonal skills. Additionally, creative assessments foster self-expression, adaptability, and engagement, making the learning process more enjoyable and motivating. Students are also being prepared for the evolving job market by cultivating a mindset open to change and resiliency in the face of uncertainty. Creative assessments also capture and celebrate individual differences, recognizing the diversity of thought and expression, and personal experiences.
How:
In this edition learn how to:
- Determine what material needs to be assessed and creative ways to design them.
- Develop “outside the box” assessment ideas.
You:
Our goal for you is to:
- Determine if creative assessments need to be formative or summative.
- Discover ways to connect with your students through engaging assessments.
Ashley Finley on the Future of Assessments in Higher Education
🎦 Watch Interview
Ashley Finley, Senior Director of Assessment and Research for the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) and National Evaluator — Bringing Theory to Practice, discusses the future of assessment in higher education.
Authentic Assessments
🎧 Listen to Podcast
“…thinking about the purpose also helps you talk about the meaning.”
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13 Formative Assessments That Inspire Creativity |
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Breaking with Tradition: 10 Creative Assessment Ideas |
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Creative Methods of Assessment in Online Learning |
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Engaged Learning Resources |
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⭐️New Approaches to Teaching and Learning Conference Registration and Call for Proposals is Open
Instructional Development works with faculty to…
- Explore, design, and experiment with different teaching and learning modes.
- Research and integrate technologies that can enhance teaching and learning.
- Design and develop online courses and programs.
- Write learning outcomes, design assessments, craft activities, and develop content.
- Utilize best practices for using instructional technologies.
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