April 2024
Necessary Evil. That’s how many people look at the ‘quiz’ at the end of the module. I prefer to see it as a massive opportunity. Which camp are you in?
Tests—whether formal, informal, scored, or not—are the most under-celebrated vehicles of learning. Learners not only learn better when aware of the existence of some sort of test, but they are also more receptive to content when they get something wrong on the test. A learning designer would do well to spend a good amount of time thinking, writing, and building solid assessments.
This is our focus for this month's newsletter. Perhaps not quite as trendy as some other topics, but a bedrock of good learning outcomes, nonetheless. We’re very fortunate to have created all types of various assessments in the course (pun intended!) of our work. Last month, a friend of mine was going through a bunch of required compliance courses at work. He kept getting stuck at this one course on 'Preventing Elder Abuse'. The questions were tricky, the options confusing, the feedback was unhelpful, and the design non-existent. This poorly designed quiz killed his motivation and shifted the focus from understanding a critical topic to just ‘gaming’ the quiz. As I said, a missed opportunity.
Assessments – whether they appear as a Test-out at the start of a compliance training module, an intermittent scenario in a leadership course, or a comprehensive quiz bank at the end of a certification program – are all wonderful opportunities for both learners and learning designers. In this newsletter, we discuss and discover what makes a good assessment, the various types and flavors of assessments, and ways to use them to support people’s learning journeys.
Next month, we’ll turn our focus to building accessible training in recognition of the upcoming Global Accessibility Awareness Day and marking our commitment to create inclusive, accessible training by default, for all our clients.
Read on! And in the spirit of assessment and evaluation, let us know how we did in this newsletter.
Garima
Why do we assess learners?
Assessments serve as a bridge between teaching/training and learning, offering critical insights into learners' comprehension, skills, and progress. They help us craft learning experiences that resonate, challenge, and ultimately transform.
Assessments are a cornerstone of the learning process, serving as vital tools in both educational settings and the workplace. They ensure that learners engage deeply with content, maintaining focus and driving a more profound understanding of the subject matter.
By evaluating individual proficiency, assessments offer learners a clear indication of their skills, identifying both strengths and areas for improvement. For organizations, these tools provide measurable insights into the overall skill levels of their teams, guiding training decisions and workforce development.?
Furthermore, assessments contribute to a sense of completion and achievement among learners, marking milestones in their educational journey and motivating continued professional growth.
What makes a good assessment?
The three core elements that make a good assessment are:
Validity, Reliability, and Feasibility.
Valid: measures what it is supposed to measure, at the appropriate level, in the appropriate domains (constructive alignment). For example, a math test should assess math skills, not reading ability. It must align with the desired outcomes of the course or module.
Reliable: A reliable test gives us the same results under consistent conditions, much like a trusted clock. Imagine giving the same test to similar groups; we should expect to see similar results if the assessment is indeed reliable.
Feasible: An assessment is practicable and reasonable in terms of time and resources. We don’t expect learners to do a capstone for a 30-minute Module, or ask an advanced question in a beginner-level course.
Creating a good assessment is a crucial part of creating a good, well-rounded learning experience, regardless of the modality of that experience.?
Types of Assessments
There are several different types of assessments in eLearning. Learn more about these in our comprehensive video:
For our complete playlist of videos on Assessments or all things eLearning, subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Five Alternatives to Multiple Choice Questions
While multiple-choice questions have their place in assessment, today's digital learning environments afford us many creative alternatives that can enhance and deepen the assessment experience.
Scenario-based Assessments place learners in simulated real-life situations requiring them to apply their knowledge and make decisions.
Case Studies present learners with a comprehensive scenario to analyze, challenging them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world contexts.?
In Branching Assessments every decision a learner makes leads to a different pathway, providing a personalized and adaptive learning experience.?
Simulations create an immersive environment where learners can practice skills in a controlled, risk-free setting.?
AI-powered Assessments adapt in real-time to a learner's performance, providing personalized pathways through the learning material.?
领英推荐
Be the first to view our NEW eBook!
Bringing you our latest comprehensive guide on Assessments for free! Dive into a wealth of practical knowledge, featuring real-world examples from successful eLearning courses. Discover the keys to effective assessment strategies and elevate your eLearning experience today.
Click here to download:
How about a test?
Try this Tort Law course we made for Paralegals to see a case study style assessment in action.
AI-Powered Assessments
We can now use AI to automatically assess user answers based on a rubric or example answers.?
Like it? We can create something like this for you.
Reach out to us at [email protected] and start a discussion.
Exciting News Alert!
I am thrilled to announce that once again, Artha Learning Inc. has been nominated for not one, but TWO categories in the 2024 Training Magazine Network Choice Awards program!??We're up for awards in Custom Content and Gamification categories, highlighting our commitment to innovation and excellence in delivering tailored solutions that engage and empower learners.
But here's where we need your help - we need YOUR vote to help us secure these prestigious recognitions!
Voting is now open, and it only takes a moment to show your support. Simply click the link below and cast your vote for us in both categories.
WIIFM: Win a $100 U.S. Bank Visa gift card or a MembershipPLUS benefits package with Training Magazine Network by voting here: Training Magazine Network Choice Awards 2024.
Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement.
Nothing like meeting IRL. If you’re at the ATD International Conference & Expo this year, hit us up and let’s connect!?
In-Person Events:
?Or find us online:?
Stay in touch!
Visit us: