Assessment is what drives instruction. It measures student progress and can take a variety of forms. Whether occurring in a traditional classroom setting or an online learning environment, assessments need to be varied and balanced. In an online class, students are able to work on assignments over a period of time and can apply their learning in an authentic manner. Although this sounds quite positive, there are some challenges that educators may face when assessing students online.
One major challenge an educator in an online course may face when successfully assessing students is the fact that students may not effectively manage their time. A form of assessment may not be an appropriate measure of a student’s knowledge if they merely just did not put enough effort into it. Teachers can help students with time management skills and to avoid procrastinating by breaking assignments into manageable chunks. By providing meaningful feedback on student work each time the work is submitted, students can effectively pace their learning.
Another challenge deals with student reflection and communication. Oftentimes in online courses, students may not fully comprehend how to effectively contribute to an online discussion or learning community. This is a skill that is difficult to teach online, as well as assess. To help students overcome these challenges, teachers can give students opportunities to participate in collaborative learning. They can model effective communication.
Finally, another challenge that would likely surface when assessing students is providing multiple methods of higher level learning assessments. It is easier to create assessments that asses s basic knowledge of content, but providing deeper assessment that promote higher order thinking can be challenging for teachers and students. Quality assessments that require analysis and critical thinking require a lot of planning and time to create. Promoting thoughtful analysis and communication helps students naturally address issues in a proper manner.
One major challenge an educator in an online course may face when successfully assessing students is the fact that students may not effectively manage their time. A form of assessment may not be an appropriate measure of a student’s knowledge if they merely just did not put enough effort into it. Teachers can help students with time management skills and to avoid procrastinating by breaking assignments into manageable chunks. By providing meaningful feedback on student work each time the work is submitted, students can effectively pace their learning.
Another challenge deals with student reflection and communication. Oftentimes in online courses, students may not fully comprehend how to effectively contribute to an online discussion or learning community. This is a skill that is difficult to teach online, as well as assess. To help students overcome these challenges, teachers can give students opportunities to participate in collaborative learning. They can model effective communication.
Finally, another challenge that would likely surface when assessing students is providing multiple methods of higher level learning assessments. It is easier to create assessments that asses s basic knowledge of content, but providing deeper assessment that promote higher order thinking can be challenging for teachers and students. Quality assessments that require analysis and critical thinking require a lot of planning and time to create. Promoting thoughtful analysis and communication helps students naturally address issues in a proper manner.