Using student portfolios as a way to determinie what the students think is important, regarding learning indie the classroom.  We have portfolios that the students complete.

To View the assessment as a way to judge not only what the students have learned, but also how well you have taught the content of the course.  I have always taken this stance.  Its my role and goal as the teacher, to make sure my assessments are "real" in relation to the working world requirments and practices.

Best communication practices and methods must be clearly described in the class syllabus.  

Similar to coaching sports, being consistent in our expectations and goals is the key.