What do you do if you need to assess student learning during an interview?

1 Initial Prep

Before the interview, it's crucial to define the learning outcomes you're assessing. Think about the specific skills or knowledge that are important for success in the role or course. With these in mind, prepare open-ended questions that encourage students to elaborate on their experiences and understanding. This approach allows you to assess not only their factual knowledge but also their ability to apply what they've learned to new situations. Remember to create a rubric or a set of criteria to help you evaluate their responses consistently.

4 Observation Skills

Your observational skills come into play by noting non-verbal cues such as body language, eye contact, and gestures. These can often tell you as much about a student's understanding and confidence as their verbal answers. Be mindful of signs of nervousness that may affect their performance and differentiate them from lack of knowledge. Observing how students react to follow-up questions or prompts can also give you insights into their depth of knowledge and ability to think on their feet.

5 Feedback Inquiry

Incorporate a feedback inquiry towards the end of the interview. Ask students to reflect on their own learning and the interview process itself. Questions like "What do you feel you've learned the most about during this course?" or "How do you think you performed in this interview?" can provide valuable insights into their self-awareness and metacognitive skills. This self-assessment component not only gives you another angle to evaluate their learning but also encourages students to engage in reflective practice.

6 Scenario Simulation

Finally, consider using scenario-based questions to simulate real-life applications of student learning. Presenting a hypothetical situation related to the subject matter allows you to assess how students would apply their knowledge in a practical context. This method is particularly effective for gauging problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to integrate knowledge from various areas. It also helps students demonstrate competencies that are not easily measured through traditional questioning techniques.

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?