Different Types of Assessment

Similarly to learning activities, learner assessment can take many forms. From the most commonly used formats (discussions, quizzes, essay submission and group projects) to the less commonly used (role plays, case scenarios, case studies) your creativity and the delivery model for the course (more on that later) will determine what you can or should use. Typically, quizzes with a variety of questions, assignments and projects are used in summative assessment, whereas formative assessment can integrate a more varied and creative allotment of assessment activities designed to provide learners with guiding feedback and to allow them to make decisions about their learning.

Examples

Additional examples of assessment include:

• Peer assessment, usually used in group projects. This type of assessment activity is usually carefully scaffolded by instructors to ensure that the feedback is constructive and focused.
• e-portfolios composed by artifacts produced by learners throughout the learning process.
• Learning journals, capturing reflective journal entries throughout the course.
• Problem-solving activities.
• Presentations and demonstrations, usually in small groups, may use a variety of media - from YouTube videos to slide shows to podcasts.
• Wiki articles developed for sharing.

As you can see you can use the same types of activities for assessment, self-assessment, and practice. The distinction will be in how these activities are designed according to their purpose. When assessing adult learning, it is important to make sure that the assessment tasks are real and meaningful, derived from real-world contexts and integrated with ongoing learning to enhance the learning experience.

Discussion

It is now time to discuss your ideas for learner assessment with your peers. Update your course plan with your plans for assessment and upload it to the Assessment Discussion forum to brainstorm your ideas for types of assessment with your peers.