100 ideas for assessment (Part 2)

Assessments are very important part of any course as they are the key tool which help us in measuring the transfer of knowledge between the teacher and students. It provides us an idea that how much understanding does student have of a particular topic after attending a course or workshop.

In the last century assessments were mainly paper base exams where students usually have to do a written exams to demonstrate their learning. Students usually focuses on memorization and have very less knowledge about the practical use of this knowledge. But as we all know with the development in teaching practices and technology this is not true anymore. Teachers have more liberty to use different type of assessments which is now possible with the new technology. They can make the learning experience more exciting and enjoyable by integrating “learning by doing concept” in their assessment   I will be focusing on such type of assessment in my blog as  these are assessment for 21 Century and the way forward.

1.   Using simulator!

Students are provided with a simulator where they can implement the real life data or situation on the system. Students get chance to apply knowledge that they have learned in class room. It prepare students for the work environment. This is new type of technique is very useful in technical courses where students can learn by hands on experience. For example business students can use Finance simulators to know whether the borrowing will be feasible for the business or not. It can be used by creating different scenario in class room as well. The downside is that requires more time as we need to teach or create simulation to the students. Most of the teachers require training as they are not familiar with this technology.

2.    Discussions using online discussion Forms.With development of technology it is now possible for students to participate and engage in discussion outside the classroom. There are many different tools available for discussion. It is one of the main component of an LMS. After delivering the lecture teachers can use discussion board by giving students related discussion topics. It an excellent way to see that how deeply student understand the content. This type of assessment is widely use these day even in this course. Majority of people are aware of this technology and can easily implement in the course. It requires teachers to put an extra effort and follow these discussion boards and create innovative and relative discussions.

3.    Use of blogs
This is again an excellent way where teacher can use blog and ask student to do reflection of their work. Students get opportunity to work from anywhere and learn from each other rather from one source. Teacher have to follow up many blogs and provide corrective response. Majority of the people are aware of this technology and can easily embed this in the course.

4.    Create Digital Narratives
Students have to produce work which can be viewed digitally. Students have more interest in such type of projects as they are involve with search and development of the content. Technology is not an issue like old days as these days every student possess two or more smart phones with camera and multimedia facilities. Teacher need to be innovative when creating such projects.