Assessment Questions and Answers - Key Elements

1. What is the relationship between outcomes, assessment and instruction? There is an essential connectivity between the learning outcomes, assessment and instruction. The learning outcomes represent the goals specifically related to the “what” the student needs to know and be able to do. The learning outcomes articulate the “How, What” and Why” they are learning and the relevancy of these competencies required in their field. The assessment (formative or summative) measures the skills and competency development which is directly related to the learning outcomes. As instructors we develop the learning strategies to achieve the learning outcomes. All of these are closely interconnected with a dynamic focus on student success in achieving the learning outcomes.

2. What are the purposes of formative & summative assessment? The purpose of assessment is to improve learning and support student competency development. Assessments, whether formative or summative assess the student’s learning and are essential in the learning experience. They measure the demonstration of skills, knowledge and behaviors required to achieve the learning outcomes. They provide an opportunity to the student to demonstrate their learning and to be actively engaged. Assessments also assist instructors to evaluate, adjust and realign their instructional strategies to be responsive to the students’ needs and learning experience to achieve the learning outcomes. Formative assessments are frequent and ongoing “checks” to measure the learner’s progress towards the learning goals. This enables students to self-regulate and assess their progress related to relevant competencies. They provide essential information to the instructor so that instructional methods can be adapted to support the learner. Summative assessments focus on the learner performance after instruction. They measure the effectiveness of the learning experience and achievement of learning outcomes. This is valuable data for instructors and an opportunity to support ongoing improvements in instructional strategies and designs.

3. What are examples of each type? Formative assessments examples include: polling, surveys, reflections, questions, games, think-pair-share, entry and exit tickets, portfolio collections, journal entries. Summative assessments examples include: final projects, course exams, final tests.

4. What are the advantages of using a rubric?Rubrics clarify expectations to the learner.They describe the elements and expectations for assessment