How can you design and deliver a problem solving skills assessment?

1 Define the purpose

The first step in creating a problem solving skills assessment is to define the purpose and the audience of the assessment. Why do you want to assess problem solving skills? What are the specific goals and objectives of the assessment? Who are the intended participants and what are their backgrounds and needs? Answering these questions will help you clarify the scope and focus of the assessment, as well as the criteria and standards for success.

2 Choose the format

The next step is to choose the format and the mode of delivery of the assessment. There are different types of problem solving skills assessments, such as case studies, scenarios, simulations, puzzles, games, or tasks. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the context and the complexity of the problem. You also need to decide whether the assessment will be delivered online, offline, or in a blended way, and how much time and resources you have available.

3 Design the content

The third step is to design the content and the structure of the assessment. You need to select or create the problem or the challenge that the participants will have to solve, and make sure that it is realistic, relevant, and engaging. You also need to define the process and the steps that the participants will have to follow, and the tools and resources that they will have access to. You should also consider how to provide feedback and guidance along the way, and how to avoid bias and cheating.

4 Test and refine

The fourth step is to test and refine the assessment before you launch it. You need to pilot the assessment with a small sample of participants who represent your target audience, and collect their feedback and data. You need to analyze the results and identify any issues or gaps in the assessment, such as difficulty level, clarity, validity, reliability, or usability. You need to make any necessary adjustments or improvements to the assessment, based on the feedback and the data.

5 Deliver and evaluate

The final step is to deliver and evaluate the assessment with your intended audience. You need to communicate the purpose and the expectations of the assessment clearly, and provide any instructions or support that the participants may need. You need to administer the assessment in a fair and consistent way, and monitor the progress and the performance of the participants. You need to collect and analyze the data and the feedback from the assessment, and report the results and the outcomes.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?