Bring concepts to action
Now that you have completed the learning outcomes module, the next steps are to:
- Practice writing and reviewing your course learning outcomes
- Self-assess your learning progress
- Reflect on the effectiveness of your learning outcomes
- Book a consultation with CTL (for faculty or staff at Concordia University seeking support or a teaching excellence credential)
Step 1: Bring concepts to action
You may either use the interactive (H5P) activity below and export the final document or download and complete this template document. The interactive activity and downloadable document guide you through the steps to writing and reviewing your assessment plan.
Step 2: Self-assessment
An essential component for consolidating your learning is to assess and reflect on how your knowledge has changed. Take a moment to evaluate your learning through the following five (5) statements. Decide where you would situate yourself for each.
If you identify ‘Unsure’ for any statements or would like to develop further in any area, as Concordia University faculty or staff you may request a consultation with a learning expert from CTL.
Step 3: Reflection
Assessment planning that aligns all evaluation activities with your course learning outcomes and promotes a balanced grade distribution is essential to robust course design. When you identify which learning outcomes you are evaluating with each activity, you ensure that your assessments measure the knowledge, skills and attributes specific to your course curriculum and clarify the level of learning you expect students to achieve. As a final activity in this module, take a moment to reflect on how your assessment plan supports your commitment to teaching excellence.
Take a moment to consider these questions:
- How have I adapted / improved my assessment plan after this module?
- Am I ready to add my assessment plan to my course syllabus?
- How will a more explicit assessment plan and transparent grading criteria benefit me and my students?
- Have I devised strategies to reduce the grading workload?
Step 4: Book a consultation
Faculty and staff of Concordia University are invited to book a consultation with a learning expert at the Centre for Teaching and Learning to:
- Seek clarifications or support on assessment planning.
- Receive a Teaching Excellence credential evidencing your ability to effectively plan assessments.
Pro tips
To design assessments that are effective in evaluating learning and engaging for students:
- Inform students which learning outcomes each activity targets.
- Use a range of assessment types and, where possible, allow students choices in what they will produce to demonstrate their learning.
- Design authentic tasks that are highly contextualized.
- Disperse assessment activities throughout the semester.
