What are alternative assessments?
Alternative assessments focus on learners creating a response to a question, prompt, or a task. They allow you to see what students can do and can’t do, versus what they know and do not know. They tend to assess how proficient a student is at doing something, rather than simply measuring knowledge.
Examples of alternative assessments include:
- Working through a case study or scenario
- Designing a concept map
- Developing a brochure
- Building a portfolio
- Designing a poster
- Designing and delivering a presentation
What are features of alternative assessments?
real world context
The assessment aligns with knowledge and skills that students will use in real-world situations
Higher order thinking skills
Students often engage in higher order thinking skills (e.g. creating, evaluating, analyzing, etc.)
Active Learning
Students actively engage in tasks specific to their field
Complexity
The assessment replicates challenging and complex situations that students have to work through
Holistic Learning
Encourages students to draw upon and combine a variety of skills to reach a solution
Opportunities for Practice
The assessment offers multiple opportunities for students to practice, receive feedback, and refine their work
What examples can I browse?
Websites In Your Course: This website showcases both student and faculty experiences with alternative assessments – specifically website development. Stories are told, examples are shared, and guidance is provided for designing alternative assessments in your own course!
H5P Game Template: This template allows students to create and showcase their games to classmates and viewers outside TRU
What resources are available to use or adapt?
Inclusive Poster Design Website: This website shares helpful resources that support inclusive poster design
WordPress Video Template: This WordPress video template allows students to showcase their videos to classmates and viewers outside TRU by simply filling in a form. Contact us to modify this for use in your course!
Twine Game Example: Learn how to make your first Twine with this fun and interactive website
References
Wiggins, G., & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by Design (2nd ed.). Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Rousseau, P. (2018). Best Practices in Alternative Assessments. Toronto Metropolitan University.