Assessment types
This list is to encourage you to think creatively about the possible ways to capture and encourage student learning through formative or summative assessment. Read through the list to see if it sparks ideas for designing your assessment. Please contact us if you have examples or alternatives you wish to share.
- Authentic Approach: This provides ideas about making this an authentic activity as possible.
- Courseloops Category: This suggests a number of Courseloop categories this assessment type might fit into. The current categories are; Competency, Artifacts, Dissertation, Essay, Exam, Portfolio, Practice, Presentation, Report, Technology, Test, Centralised Exam and Future focus e-learning task.
Essay
Essays
Students are required to write structured and analytical essays on assigned topics, demonstrating their ability to articulate ideas, support arguments with evidence, and engage with relevant literature.
Authentic approach
Writing a persuasive argument or policy recommendation addressing a real-world issue in their field of study, requiring them to apply their knowledge, research, and critical thinking skills to propose practical solutions.
Courseloop category
Essay
Dissertation and Thesis
Usually undertaken at the postgraduate level, a dissertation or thesis requires students to conduct original research, demonstrate expertise in their field, and produce a substantial written document.
Authentic approach
Similar to Essays.
Courseloop category
Dissertation
Examinations
Examinations
These are formal tests conducted under controlled conditions, typically in written or online format, to assess students' knowledge, understanding, and critical thinking skills in a specific subject or course.
Authentic approach
Students could be presented with real-world scenarios or case studies that require them to analyze, apply concepts, and make informed decisions, simulating the challenges they might encounter in their professional careers.
Courseloop category
Exam
Open-book examinations
Students are allowed to refer to textbooks, notes, or online resources during an examination, challenging them to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills while utilizing external references.
Authentic approach
Students could be presented with real-world scenarios or case studies that require them to analyze, apply concepts, and make informed decisions, simulating the challenges they might encounter in their professional careers.
Courseloop category
Exam
Online quizzes
These are short, timed assessments conducted through online platforms, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding and recall of course material.
Authentic approach
Questions could be designed to present realistic scenarios or dilemmas, requiring students to analyse the situation, apply their knowledge, and select the best option among a set of plausible choices.
Courseloop category
Test
Oral examinations
Also known as viva voce or oral defense, this assessment involves a face-to-face discussion between the student and one or more examiners. It allows for in-depth exploration of the student's understanding, research, or project work.
Authentic approach
Students could be presented with real-world scenarios or case studies that require them to analyze, apply concepts, and make informed decisions, simulating the challenges they might encounter in their professional careers.
Courseloop category
Exam
Authentic assessment
Industry or community projects (live projects)
Students collaborate with external organizations, businesses, or community groups to solve real-world problems or address specific challenges, applying their knowledge and skills in a practical setting.
Authentic approach
This is an authentic assessment type.
Courseloop category
Practice
Practical demonstrations
Students perform practical tasks or demonstrations to showcase specific skills, techniques, or procedures relevant to their field of study, such as laboratory experiments, art installations, or software development.
Authentic approach
This is an authentic assessment type.
Courseloop category
Practice
Projects
Students undertake independent or group projects that involve planning, research, implementation, and evaluation. Projects may span various formats, such as scientific experiments, creative works, software development, or business plans.
Authentic approach
Assigned real-world tasks or projects that require them to tackle genuine problems, engage with stakeholders, gather and analyse data, and develop innovative solutions, providing an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a meaningful context.
Courseloop category
Practice
Case studies
Students analyse real or hypothetical scenarios, applying theoretical knowledge to propose solutions, make recommendations, or demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities within a specific context.
Authentic approach
Assigned real-world tasks or projects that require them to tackle genuine problems, engage with stakeholders, gather and analyse data, and develop innovative solutions, providing an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a meaningful context.
Courseloop category
Practice
Reflection
Written reflections
Students write reflective essays or journals to express their thoughts, insights, and personal growth in relation to course materials, experiences, or specific assignments.
Authentic approach
Critically analyse and reflect upon their experiences in real-world settings, such as internships, community engagement, or research projects, encouraging them to connect theory with practice, identify personal growth and insights.
Courseloop category
Report
Peer review
Students provide feedback on their peers' work, such as essays, projects, or presentations, based on predetermined criteria. This promotes self-reflection, critical evaluation, and collaborative learning. See Canvas peer review tool.
Authentic approach
By evaluating their peers' work based on predefined criteria and providing specific recommendations for improvement, students can develop essential skills in critical analysis, communication, and teamwork, preparing them for future professional interactions and peer collaborations.
Courseloop category
Practice or Report
Portfolios
A collection of students' work compiled over a semester or course, showcasing their progress, achievements, and reflections. Portfolios may include essays, projects, artwork, presentations, and other evidence of learning.
Authentic approach
Critically analyse and reflect upon their experiences in real-world settings, such as internships, community engagement, or research projects, encouraging them to connect theory with practice, identify personal growth and insights.
Courseloop category
Portfolio
Annotated bibliographies
Students compile a list of relevant sources on a given topic, accompanied by concise summaries and critical evaluations of each source's usefulness, credibility, and relevance.
Authentic approach
Compiling a collection of scholarly sources that directly relate to a real-world problem or issue in their field of study. In addition to summarizing the content of each source, students would critically evaluate the relevance, credibility, and potential applications of the sources to the specific problem.
Courseloop category
Practice, Report or Artifact
Critiques
Students critically evaluate and provide feedback on assigned readings, research papers, artworks, performances, or other forms of creative work, demonstrating their analytical skills and ability to assess quality. See Canvas annotated review tool.
Authentic approach
Provide constructive feedback on real-world examples within their field, such as professional works, research studies, or creative projects. By evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the work, offering insightful observations, and suggesting potential improvements.
Courseloop category
Practice, Report or Artifact
Course journal
The Canvas Course Journal tool allows a sequence of discrete tasks over time which is undertaken by individual students.
Authentic approach
Critically analyse and reflect upon their experiences in real-world settings, such as internships, community engagement, or research projects, encouraging them to connect theory with practice, identify personal growth and insights.
Courseloop category
Practice, Report or Artifact
Reports
Reports
Students are tasked with producing comprehensive reports that investigate and analyse a particular issue or topic, often requiring research, data analysis, and clear presentation of findings. Reports cover science reports/lab reports/practical reports.
Authentic approach
Write investigative reports based on real-world case studies or scenarios. This could involve conducting research, gathering data, analyzing evidence, and presenting findings in a comprehensive report format.
Courseloop category
Report
Policy briefs
Students analyse complex policy issues, research relevant data, and write concise and informative policy briefs, presenting recommendations and potential solutions to address the identified problem.
Authentic approach
Write investigative reports based on real-world case studies or scenarios. This could involve conducting research, gathering data, analyzing evidence, and presenting findings in a comprehensive report format.
Courseloop category
Report
Business plans
Students develop comprehensive business plans, incorporating market research, financial projections, and strategic analysis, to demonstrate their understanding of entrepreneurship and business management principles.
Authentic approach
Write investigative reports based on real-world case studies or scenarios. This could involve conducting research, gathering data, analyzing evidence, and presenting findings in a comprehensive report format.
Courseloop category
Report
Policy analysis papers
Students conduct in-depth policy analyses, examining the social, economic, and political implications of specific policies, and provide recommendations based on their research and understanding.
Authentic approach
Write investigative reports based on real-world case studies or scenarios. This could involve conducting research, gathering data, analyzing evidence, and presenting findings in a comprehensive report format.
Courseloop category
Report
Grant proposals
Students develop and write grant proposals, focusing on research projects or community initiatives, showcasing their ability to identify funding opportunities, plan research activities, and articulate the project's significance.
Authentic approach
Write investigative reports based on real-world case studies or scenarios. This could involve conducting research, gathering data, analyzing evidence, and presenting findings in a comprehensive report format.
Courseloop category
Report or Artifact
Data analysis projects
Students analyse real or simulated data sets using statistical software, interpret the results, and draw meaningful conclusions, showcasing their data analysis skills and ability to apply statistical methods.
Authentic approach
Write investigative reports based on real-world case studies or scenarios. This could involve conducting research, gathering data, analyzing evidence, and presenting findings in a comprehensive report format.
Courseloop category
Report or Artifact
Field reports
Students visit real-world settings, such as field trips, internships, or work placements, and produce detailed reports documenting their observations, reflections, and insights gained from the experience.
Authentic approach
Write investigative reports based on real-world case studies or scenarios. This could involve conducting research, gathering data, analyzing evidence, and presenting findings in a comprehensive report format.
Courseloop category
Report
Group work
Group assessments
Collaborative projects or presentations where students work together to achieve shared goals. Group assessments assess teamwork, collaboration, leadership, and individual contributions within a group setting.
Authentic approach
Working on a complex problem or task that requires division of responsibilities, effective communication, coordination, and decision-making within the group. By simulating the challenges and dynamics of professional team environments, students can develop essential skills in teamwork, collaboration, and project management.
Courseloop category
Report, Artifact or Presentation
Group problem-solving exercises
Students work together in groups to solve complex problems or case studies, fostering teamwork, collaboration, critical thinking, and effective communication skills.
Authentic approach
Working on a complex problem or task that requires division of responsibilities, effective communication, coordination, and decision-making within the group. By simulating the challenges and dynamics of professional team environments, students can develop essential skills in teamwork, collaboration, and project management.
Courseloop category
Report, Artifact or Presentation
Group debates
Students participate in structured debates on specific topics, presenting arguments, engaging in critical analysis, and defending their positions while demonstrating their knowledge and persuasive skills.
Authentic approach
Working on a complex problem or task that requires division of responsibilities, effective communication, coordination, and decision-making within the group. By simulating the challenges and dynamics of professional team environments, students can develop essential skills in teamwork, collaboration, and project management.
Courseloop category
Presentation
Online discussions and forums
Students engage in online discussions, responding to prompts or questions and actively participating in peer-to-peer interactions to demonstrate their understanding, critical thinking, and ability to articulate arguments.
Authentic approach
Working on a complex problem or task that requires division of responsibilities, effective communication, coordination, and decision-making within the group. By simulating the challenges and dynamics of professional team environments, students can develop essential skills in teamwork, collaboration, and project management.
Courseloop category
Report or Artifact
Peer review of group participation
BuddyCheck is an easy to use peer evaluation tool within Canvas, which allows students to evaluate each team member’s performance in a group activity, as well as self-assessment. It is a valuable tool for helping your students successfully manage group work.
Authentic approach
By evaluating their peers' work based on predefined criteria and providing specific recommendations for improvement, students can develop essential skills in critical analysis, communication, and teamwork, preparing them for future professional interactions and peer collaborations.
Courseloop category
Report or Artifact
Visual
Presentations
Individuals or groups deliver oral presentations on a specific subject, sharing information, arguments, or research findings with the class or a panel of assessors. This assesses their communication, presentation, and public speaking skills.
Authentic approach
Researching and analysing current trends, case studies, or industry challenges, and then delivering a persuasive and engaging presentation that effectively communicates their findings, recommendations, or innovative solutions to a simulated professional audience.
Courseloop category
Presentation
Conceptual models
Students create visual or conceptual models to represent complex concepts, theories, or systems, demonstrating their understanding of the subject matter and their ability to think abstractly.
Authentic approach
Identify and analyse key components, their interconnections, and the underlying principles that govern the system. By constructing a visually engaging and accurate representation of the conceptual framework, while aligning their models with real-world examples or empirical data.
Courseloop category
Artifact or Report
Media presentations
Students create multimedia presentations, incorporating audio, video, graphics, and interactive elements, to communicate complex concepts, research findings, or creative works effectively.
Authentic approach
Dynamic multimedia presentations that convey information and engage the audience using a variety of media formats, incorporating visuals, audio, video, and interactive elements.
Courseloop category
Artifact or Presentation
Concept mapping
Students create visual representations of knowledge structures, connecting concepts, relationships, and key ideas to demonstrate their understanding of complex topics and their ability to think critically.
Authentic approach
Identify and analyse key components, their interconnections, and the underlying principles that govern the system. By constructing a visually engaging and accurate representation of the conceptual framework, while aligning their models with real-world examples or empirical data.
Courseloop category
Artifact or Report
Video presentations
Students create and submit recorded video presentations where they communicate their ideas, research findings, or project outcomes, showcasing their presentation skills and subject knowledge. See the Panopto recording and submission process.
Authentic approach
Dynamic multimedia presentations that convey information and engage the audience using a variety of media formats, incorporating visuals, audio, video, and interactive elements.
Courseloop category
Presentation or Artifact
Artistic exhibitions
Students in visual arts or design programs curate and display their artwork, showcasing their creativity, technical skills, conceptual understanding, and ability to present their work in a gallery or exhibition setting.
Authentic approach
Dynamic multimedia presentations that convey information and engage the audience using a variety of media formats, incorporating visuals, audio, video, and interactive elements.
Courseloop category
Artifact
Performance evaluations
Primarily used in the arts, music, and theatre disciplines, performance assessments assess students' practical skills, technique, interpretation, and stage presence through live performances or recorded submissions.
Authentic approach
Dynamic multimedia presentations that convey information and engage the audience using a variety of media formats, incorporating visuals, audio, video, and interactive elements.
Courseloop category
Artifact or Presentation
Simulations
Simulations
Students participate in simulated real-life situations, such as mock trials, business simulations, or virtual environments, where they apply their knowledge, decision-making skills, and problem-solving abilities.
Authentic approach
Simulated environment or problem, where they must apply their knowledge, make decisions, and navigate the challenges they would encounter in professional settings.
Courseloop category
Technology or Practice
Practical assessments
These evaluate students' hands-on skills and application of knowledge in a specific discipline. Examples include laboratory experiments, design prototypes, clinical assessments, or performance evaluations.
Authentic approach
Simulated environment or problem, where they must apply their knowledge, make decisions, and navigate the challenges they would encounter in professional settings.
Courseloop category
Practice
Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE)
Commonly used in medical and healthcare fields, an OSCE assesses clinical skills through a series of stations where students interact with simulated patients or scenarios.
Authentic approach
Simulated environment or problem, where they must apply their knowledge, make decisions, and navigate the challenges they would encounter in professional settings.
Courseloop category
Practice
Mock trials
Particularly used in law or criminal justice programs, students participate in simulated courtroom proceedings, assuming the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and judges, and demonstrate their understanding of legal processes and arguments.
Authentic approach
Simulated environment or problem, where they must apply their knowledge, make decisions, and navigate the challenges they would encounter in professional settings.
Courseloop category
Practice