Assessment Design Checklist 1.0

Do I have to memorize all this!?! What is the point? I have heard these comments many times. Some students go through school believing that the goal is to memorize as much as possible. This is the result of lack of time and a 'teaching to the test' approach.

As educators, we should ask ourselves what do students understand and actually remember when there is only lecturing and no opportunity to really learn? How do we design assessments to make sure that students actually understand what they are learning? In order to answer these questions, assessments are essential. Assessment, in its many forms, is an integral part of the culture of learning.

Therefore, it is vital that teachers define the big ideas to guide teaching and plan specific criteria for each assessment to receive maximum feedback. This consequently will help with placement, pace, and direction of instruction. Take a look at the checklist I am developing to reflect on the design of my assessments.