Objective and Subjective Assessment | Origin: EL106
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Evaluating Student Learning in Online Courses --> Objective and Subjective Assessment
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Objective assessment
Objective assessment measures performance using clear, predefined criteria with minimal examiner bias. Answers are typically right or wrong, and scoring is standardized.
Examples: Multiple-choice questions, true/false tests, automated quizzes, standardized exams, analytics-based scoring.
Subjective assessment
Subjective assessment involves personal judgment in evaluating a learner’s performance. It focuses on quality, depth, creativity, and understanding rather than just correct answers.
Examples: Essays, presentations, portfolios, discussion participation, peer reviews.
Application in the Online Learning Process
1. Using Objective Assessment Online
Auto-graded quizzes after modules to test understanding.
Timed online exams with randomized questions.
Learning analytics (completion rates, quiz scores, time spent).
Badges or certificates based on measurable performance.
Benefit: Quick feedback, consistency, scalability for large classes.
2. Using Subjective Assessment Online
Discussion forums evaluated with rubrics.
Reflective journals or blog posts.
Project-based assignments submitted digitally.
Peer and instructor feedback via video or written comments.
Benefit: Encourages critical thinking, creativity, and deeper engagement.
Best Approach: Blended Assessment
In online learning, combining both methods is most effective:
Use objective tools to assess knowledge and comprehension.
Use subjective tools to assess application, analysis, and creativity.
This balanced approach ensures fair measurement of learning outcomes while also promoting higher-order thinking skills.
Validity and reliability are both crucial when creating assessments.
For this module I have learned the key difference between objective and subjective assessments and how each serves different purpose in evaluating student learning.
I intend to apply this knowledge by carefully choosing the type of assessment that aligns with my learning objectives
An objective assessment to test where they are clearly wrong and right answers. Subjective assessment is like writing an essay.
Making a good rubric can make all of the difference in the success of my students on some of these assignments. The biggest challenge is getting students to utilize the references provided to them. I try to make the rubric so that if used correctly, the student cannot fail. There are always those that choose not to follow or use the rubric.
Validity and reliability are both crucial when creating assessments.
Subjective and objective are both important but there is always information students must know without a subjective slant.
I learnt about the Norm-referenced assessments and how they are used to compare a student's skills to skills of others within a particular group. They are most appropriate when the instructor wants to make comparisons across a large number of students.
Los distintos tipos de evaluación. La importancia de la confiabilidad y la validez.
Difference between subjective and objective assessment is subjective assessment evaluates the personal judgment, opinions, and interpretations of an evaluator rather than factual, and objective assessment is utilizing standardized criteria and task with single correct answers or a fixed score.
rubric are good for both students and teachers
Comment on Deborah Lewis's post: I agree. When a student knows what is expected from them they can be successful.
Rubrics support students understanding of the grading criteria and expectations
I learned about subjective and objective information.
Objective assessment is a generic term referring to tests where there are clearly right and wrong answers.
Students must be informed as to the scoring method. The student should also be provided with the standards for passing, so using a rubric is great.
Rubrics are a great tool so students have an outline of specific criteria and performance levels for an assignment.
Norm-reference versus criterion-referenced... this will probably be on the final exam.
La importancia de la implementación de los dos tipos de evaluación, teniendo presente la necesidad de una rubrica
