What are the best practices for designing engaging assessments in higher education?

1 What is student engagement theory?

Student engagement theory is a framework that describes how students interact with their learning environment, and how this affects their academic performance, motivation, and satisfaction. According to this theory, there are three dimensions of student engagement: behavioral, emotional, and cognitive. Behavioral engagement refers to the actions and behaviors that students exhibit in their learning activities, such as attendance, participation, and effort. Emotional engagement refers to the feelings and attitudes that students have towards their learning, such as interest, enjoyment, and belonging. Cognitive engagement refers to the mental processes and strategies that students use to understand and master their learning, such as attention, reflection, and self-regulation.

2 Why is student engagement important for assessments?

Assessments are not only a means of gauging and evaluating student learning, but also a way of influencing and improving it. Assessments can have a considerable effect on how students interact with their learning, and how they view their own capabilities and progress. For instance, assessments can provide feedback and guidance for both students and instructors, reinforce and solidify learning outcomes and concepts, arouse curiosity and enthusiasm for the subject matter, challenge and extend students' skills and knowledge, foster self-efficacy and assurance in students, and encourage collaboration and communication between students and instructors. Consequently, designing captivating assessments can help you accomplish your pedagogical objectives, and create a positive and productive learning experience for your students.

3 How to apply student engagement theory to assessment design?

Designing engaging assessments is not a one-size-fits-all approach, as different disciplines, courses, and students may have different needs and preferences. However, there are some general principles and guidelines based on student engagement theory that can help create assessments that are relevant, authentic, and diverse. Aligning assessments with learning outcomes and course content is essential, as it allows students to understand the purpose and value of the assessments and how they relate to their learning goals. Providing variety and choice in assessment methods and formats, such as essays, quizzes, presentations, projects, and portfolios, caters to different learning styles, preferences, and strengths of students. Additionally, giving students options and flexibility in how they complete and submit their assessments, such as choosing their own topics, formats, or deadlines, helps them feel more engaged, motivated, and empowered in their learning. Making assessments authentic and meaningful by reflecting real-world situations, problems, or scenarios that are relevant and interesting to students and their discipline, helps them see the connection and application of their learning to their future careers, lives, or society. Incorporating feedback and reflection in the assessment process, providing timely, constructive, and specific feedback, and encouraging students to reflect on their own learning process, achievements, and challenges, helps them develop metacognitive and self-regulation skills, and foster a growth mindset and a culture of learning.