3.4 How will we know learners have learned? (Engagement, Assessment, Feedback)

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is an integral part of the learning process. The assessment strategy designed for the course informs the development of individual assessment activities. The assessment activities must fit the learning outcomes and be achievable for learners. A taxonomy such as Bloom’s taxonomy or the SOLO taxonomy can help you consider appropriate progression and sequencing of formative and summative assessment activities and align the learning activities to the assessment. But design is an iterative process and you might start with a preliminary idea for the assessment activities, which you refine as you go along.

In an integrated assessment approach, theory and practice are integrated in the assessment methods and activities. A combination of diverse methods and activities is used to assess learners’ performance. Formative assessment activities are included at crucial points throughout the learning pathway, and are well aligned with summative assessment tasks.
Technology opens up a range of assessment possibilities. Appropriate technological application/s can be selected to support formative online assessment or a combination of online and offline assessment.

Support for Assessment

Assessment activities can model teaching and learning processes that encourage participation, support and feedback to increase the likelihood of success for learners.

Providing support for assessment can include providing assessment criteria, writing clear instructions for assessment activities, and offering assistance with planning of assessment tasks. In section 3.3 of this Guide we saw the value of meaningful feedback. This is an important part of assessment for learning.