How do you assess student learning outcomes when they have different choices of projects or tasks?

1 Align choices with standards

The first step is to ensure that the choices you offer to students are aligned with the learning standards and objectives you want them to achieve. This means that the choices should have similar levels of complexity, rigor, and relevance, and that they should address the same essential skills and knowledge. You can use a common rubric or checklist to guide your planning and communicate your expectations to students.

2 Differentiate assessments

The next step is to differentiate your assessments according to the needs and preferences of your students. This means that you can vary the format, mode, and criteria of your assessments to match the choices of projects or tasks. For example, you can allow students to choose how they want to demonstrate their learning, such as through a presentation, a portfolio, or a test. You can also adjust the scaffolding, feedback, and support you provide to students based on their readiness, interests, and learning styles.

3 Use multiple measures

The third step is to use multiple measures to assess student learning outcomes. This means that you can collect and analyze different types of evidence from different sources and times to get a comprehensive and accurate picture of student learning. For example, you can use formative and summative assessments, self and peer assessments, and qualitative and quantitative data to monitor student progress, identify strengths and gaps, and inform your instruction and intervention.

4 Involve students

The fourth step is to involve students in the assessment process. This means that you can empower students to take an active role in setting goals, selecting criteria, co-creating rubrics, reflecting on feedback, and improving their work. By involving students, you can foster their metacognitive and self-regulation skills, as well as their sense of agency and ownership of their learning. You can also solicit their input and feedback on the choices and assessments you offer, and make adjustments as needed.

5 Celebrate diversity

The fifth step is to celebrate the diversity of student learning outcomes. This means that you can recognize and appreciate the different ways that students express their learning, and showcase their achievements and growth. You can also create opportunities for students to share their work with each other, with other teachers, and with the wider community. By celebrating diversity, you can promote a culture of respect, collaboration, and innovation in your classroom.

6 Keep learning

The sixth step is to keep learning and improving your assessment practices. This means that you can reflect on your own strengths and areas for improvement as a teacher, and seek feedback and support from your colleagues, mentors, or coaches. You can also engage in professional development, research, or networking to learn more about the best practices and trends in assessing student learning outcomes when they have different choices of projects or tasks.

7 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?