6.4 Assessment Instructions

Tests, quizzes, and other assessments include clear instructions, due dates, and evaluation criteria.

Points: 2 (Very Important)

QM Alignment: 3.6

Overview

• What is needed?
• Learning Purpose and Objectives
• Minimum Assignment Requirements
• Grading Criteria/Rubric
• Required details and information
• Learning Process via a series of steps
• Suggested Learning Checkpoints
• Course Assignment Policies

In line with standard 4.5 and standard 5.3, ensure your instructions for completing your assessments are clear and transparent.

The Transparency in Learning and Teaching site has guidance on making your course activities, assignments, and assessments clearer to your students, including a Transparent Assignment Template and Checklist.

Tips

• Set the due date, availability date, and (optionally) until date for each of your graded activities.
• Here is the Transparent Assignment Template adapted for the HCC Canvas Starter Kit.
• Link to tutorials that help show students how to complete the activity. For example, Canvas student tutorials about how to reply to a discussion or submit an assignment.
• Optionally add rubrics to your Canvas assignments and discussions. Here are some sample discussion rubrics. Another alternative is sharing student exemplars (see standard 4.8).

Examples

The bottom of the transparent teaching site has several examples of transparent assessments and assignments.

Writing Directions for an Assignment

• Purpose, Learning Goals
• Topic, Thesis and Structure
• Requirements
• Documentation Style
• Open and Close Date?
• Writing Style?
• Writing Process?

• Purpose, Learning Goal?
• Requirements?
• Topic, Thesis, Structure
• Format and Writing Style
• Grading Rubric

• Discussion Expectations
• Peer Response Expectations