Assessment methods should help the instructor answer the questions, “How do I know the required learning has taken place? What might I need to modify about the course to best support student learning?” Show
Information about student learning can be assessed through both direct and indirect measures. Direct measures may include homework, quizzes, exams, reports, essays, research projects, case study analysis, and rubrics for oral and other performances. Examples of indirect measures include course evaluations, student surveys, course enrollment information, retention in the major, alumni surveys, and graduate school placement rates. Approaches to measuring student learningMethods of measuring student learning are often characterized as summative or formative assessments:
Formative assessments can be used to measure student learning on a daily, ongoing basis. These assessments reveal how and what students are learning during the course and often inform next steps in teaching and learning. Rather than asking students if they understand or have any questions, you can be more systematic and intentional by asking students at the end of the class period to write the most important points or the most confusing aspect of the lecture on index cards. Collecting and reviewing the responses provides insight into what themes students have retained and what your next teaching steps might be. Providing feedback on these themes to students gives them insight into their own learning. You can also ask students to reflect and report on their own learning. Asking students to rate their knowledge about a topic after taking your course as compared to what they believe they knew before taking your course is an example. Considerations for Measuring Student LearningAs you develop methods for assessing your students consider:
Getting started with measuring student learningAt the course level, it is helpful to review course assignments and assessments by asking:
What is the test used to evaluate students learning?Diagnostic assessment measures a student's current knowledge and skills for the purpose of identifying a suitable program of learning. Self-assessment is a form of diagnostic assessment which involves students assessing themselves.
Which test is used to student skill in subject?An aptitude test is an exam used to determine an individual's skill or propensity to succeed in a given activity. Aptitude tests assume that individuals have inherent strengths and weaknesses and have a natural inclination toward success or failure in specific areas based on their innate characteristics.
What is the best way to measure the ability of the learners?Approaches to measuring student learning
Summative assessments - tests, quizzes, and other graded course activities that are used to measure student performance. They are cumulative and often reveal what students have learned at the end of a unit or the end of a course.
Which tests are used to measure academic achievement?Two of the most common college entrance academic achievement tests are the SAT and the ACT exams. Scores from either of these tests are typical prerequisites for admission to colleges or universities. Some schools also require minimum scores in specific areas of the tests, like math or reading.
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