Session 8 - Learning Assessment

After reviewing the required reading my take-away was to ensure that the goals of a particular course or learning module should be clearly identified at the beginning of the class. If you are able to do this clearly and effectively a student learning outcome can be enhanced. It provides a bench mark for what is the expected outcome once the course or activity is completed.

Admittedly, when participating in a course where the goals are not identified up front can leave you with that slight wondering feeling “what was I supposed to know when this class is complete?”

During Session 5, the course I developed was based on a very simple learning module. The module provided student’s with instruction on creating a pivot table using Microsoft Excel®. To assess the learning objectives an online exercise would be used is a standard rubric. Since the learning module is a small exercise it seemed to be the best choice in this scenario. It asks the basic question, were you successful in creating a pivot table and a few other required tasks to be completed during the learning module.

To show proof that the task is accomplished students would be provided a location where their end product could be uploaded for instructional review. After all modules are complete the design would allow for an online question & answer test to verify knowledge is achieved. To view this assessment copy & paste this web address into your browser: http://www.eportfoliopmays.com/Assess1_CreatePivotPam.pdf

Another assessment tool would be to establish an online discussion to validate the concept presented is learned. Often just talking about the topic helps to enhance the transfer of knowledge.