What Are We Assessing? What Are We Assessing? Assessment is a more complex process than many people realize, especially when what is being assessed involves content that is more than simply factual knowledge. In order to effectively assess student learning, instructors must first be clear about what the purpose (learning objective) for the learning exercise or activity is. Learning objectives drive both the selection of active-learning strategies and the type of assessment tools used to measure student learning and to evaluate the instructor's curriculum design and implementation of instruction (Runté 2004; Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority 2007a). Over 50 years ago, curriculum theorist Ralph Tyler (1949) identified four elements of curriculum: objectives (or learning outcomes), content, strategies and assessment. Tyler saw the development of curriculum as sequential and linear; in other words, the instructor designed a curriculum plan by determining the learning objectives, selecting the content related to the objectives, choosing ways in which to teach the objectives (strategies), and assessing the results to improve future reiterations of the curriculum. Today, these elements are developed in a more interactive manner since all elements are interconnected and as such need to be considered together as assessment is being designed (Wiggins and McTighe 1998). In particular, the objectives will determine, to a great extent, the type of assessment that should be used to effectively assess the learning process. In a similar way, the content will prescribe the strategies needed to effectively teach the content. Therefore, it bears repeating that, in order to assess active learning, instructors need to first consider the objectives proposed for the learning activities. Runté notes that active learning demands active assessment (2004). Some instructors adopt basic active-learning strategies such as small discussion groups with the simple goal of increasing student engagement. There is some support within the literature regarding the effectiveness of such exercises for this purpose (Prince 2004). Instructors, however, often have more multifaceted learning objectives for students beyond increased levels of engagement. Greenblat (1973) identifies several different categories of learning objectives that can be aided by using active-learning methods: cognitive learning (gain factual information, concrete examples of abstract concepts, analytical skills, procedural experience, and decision-making skills), affective learning (changed perspectives and orientations toward various public and world issues, increased empathy for others, and greater insights into challenges faced by others), and increased self-awareness and a greater sense of personal efficacy. The variety of objectives warrants a variety of teaching strategies and different types of assessment. Active learning not only provides a number of strategy possibilities but also has embedded within it a variety of assessment opportunities and possibilities. If the learning objective consists of content knowledge, then written exams are a logical and effective method of assessment. A learning objective concerned with knowledge and facts is easier to assess because there is usually one correct answer. But assessment becomes more complex and challenging when the learning objective involves acquisition of new skills and processes that incorporate higher order thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation (Bloom et al. 1956). Skills and processes can be performed with different degrees of mastery. Instructors must analyze the skill or process (often called task analysis) to determine what the essential components of the activity are and what behavior the student must demonstrate to show mastery. Instructors need to be clear on whether the primary goal is student acquisition of content
knowledge or something beyond that. They should also recognize that any particular lesson or exercise cannot achieve all of the learning objectives noted above. Setting clear, attainable objectives is important. Once the objectives are identified, an instructor should also consider the purpose behind conducting assessments.