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.
From this module, I learned that effective assessment is not just about giving tests, but about designing meaningful, well-aligned evaluation strategies that support student learning. A key takeaway is the importance of using appropriate assessment types—such as formative, summative, objective, and subjective assessments—depending on the learning outcomes. I also learned that assessments must be both valid and reliable, meaning they should measure what they are intended to measure and produce consistent results.
Another important insight is the distinction between norm-referenced and criterion-referenced assessments, and how each serves different purposes in evaluating student performance. I also gained a deeper understanding of how tools like objective tests, essays, and problem-solving tasks can be designed to measure different levels of thinking, especially when aligned with Bloom’s Taxonomy.
In my practice, I intend to apply this knowledge by creating more balanced assessments that include both formative and summative approaches, while ensuring they align with course objectives. I will also focus on improving the quality of my assessments by using rubrics, providing meaningful feedback, and incorporating a mix of assessment types to better support student learning and growth.
An effect assessment is both reliable (provides consistent results) and valid (measures what is intended). Assessments can be objective or subjective in design. Objective assessments include matching, T/F and multiple choice. Subjective assessments can include written essays and should use a rubric to grade.
Give feedback for quizzes (wrong answers). Currently, these are built in, and we do not do this.
Use of rubrics more when doing subjective assessments. Distinction between norm based and criterion based assessments
Rubrics are a good tool so students know what they are being graded on
Objective assessment measures performance using clear, predefined criteria with minimal examiner bias. Answers are typically right or wrong, and scoring is standardized.
Subjective assessment involves personal judgment in evaluating a learner’s performance. It focuses on quality, depth, creativity, and understanding rather than just correct answers.
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
