This module helped me realize that a well-designed assessment plan is much more than just a list of quizzes and tests—it’s a strategic roadmap for measuring how well students are meeting learning objectives. One of the most important takeaways for me was the idea that assessment should be ongoing, purposeful, and varied. It’s not just about assigning grades, but about using the results to guide instruction and support student growth.
I also gained a better understanding of the difference between formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments, like quick check-ins, reflections, or discussions, can help me adjust my teaching in real time. Summative assessments, on the other hand, help evaluate what students have learned at the end of a unit or course. Both are essential for giving students meaningful feedback and improving the overall learning experience.
Moving forward, I plan to:
Align all assessments directly with course objectives, so students know exactly what they’re expected to learn and why.
Incorporate more low-stakes, formative assessments to give students regular feedback and reduce test anxiety.
Offer choices when possible in how students demonstrate their learning—through written work, presentations, or creative projects.
Use rubrics more consistently to ensure transparency and fairness in grading.
Ultimately, this module reminded me that assessment isn’t just about evaluation—it’s a powerful tool for encouraging learning, reflection, and continuous improvement.
Feedback is necessary in the instructor/student relationship. Constructive feedback with positivity is key.
I learned that Understanding assessments and feedback is key to learning. To succeed, students need to know what is expected of them, which is why clear rubrics and learning goals are essential. A mix of ongoing (formative) and final (summative) assessments helps students and teachers track progress and make smart decisions. Feedback is also vital – when it's specific and personalized, it can really help students grow. However, too much feedback can be overwhelming, so teachers need to find a balance that works.
I learned the Importance of providing meaningful feedback in a timely manner.
Comment on James Hamburg's post: I've always used peer feedback but I haven't made it anonymous -- I will start doing that
Feedback is essential and it should be clearly tied to the rubric
I learned that both formstive and summative assessments are needed to reinforce learning during the lesson and to prove that learning occurred once the lesson is completed.
I am impressed by the idea of students providing feedback to each other. Hopefully the two students' topics would be different so that they can learn about a new topic while providing constructive feedback. Also, I have found that utilizing the term "Constructive feedback" is less intimidating than "Constructive criticism".
Rubrics are great assessment tools but also providing clear and meaningful feedback goes a long way for learners to grasp aspects of the lesson that may have been missed.
Generic feedback can be used, but personalized feedback is much more meaningful and can lead to better learning outcomes. Additionally, self-feedback and peer-feedback can assist in this process.
Personalized feedback is critical to helping students understand where they can do better and help them improve. It's also important to focus on what else they can do to help them maximize the score.
learned the importance of providing meaningful feeddback
Using varied forms of feedback is a good way to interact with students, as well as not being overwhelming with the information you give them when assessing their work.
I have learned that giving substantial feedback to students helps them to learn better
Formative assessments throughout the lesson and summative assessments at the end should be appropriately and expertly constructed to ensure that students get the most from the online course.
I would like to emphasize the key components of meaningful feedback include the following: connected to learning objectives, frequent, positive in tone, automatic if possible, provided in a variety of ways: written (peer or instructor feedback), auditory, visual. Also to be individualized, specific and detailed.
Using rubrics gives a clear indicator of the work required and how it will be assessed.
I learned the importance of identifying the different types of assessments that exist and providing meaningful feedback.
It is imperative to use the objectives when grading. The rubric can guide the student to include/exclude specific data related to the content
I learned that giving feedback to the students is essential for the learning process.
