This Week for Faculty: 3 Tips to Assess Student Learning

1. Keep the focus on learning. Align assessments with the course learning objectives. Explicitly tell students why you are using the assessment methods you are using and how these methods enhance learning. This can be done in the course syllabus and in class. Orient students to the tools or technologies you will be using for course assessments so students can stay focused and do their best.

2. Vary course assessments.Determine what kinds of tasks will reveal whether students achieved the objectives. A midterm and a final are not the only or optimal ways to assess student learning. Consider incorporating low-stakes assessments such as classroom assessment techniques across a semester and providing students with opportunities to practice using course knowledge and skill. Break up large assessments into parts and punctuate with feedback to support student learning.

3. Involve students in assessment. Invite students to self-assess their work or engage in peer review; structure this process by using a rubric. Give students choice in topic, approach, or deliverable. Invite student input on assessments, rubrics, or policies, and ask for feedback on course assessments.

For an overview of course assessment, watch “Assessing Student Learning” as part of the Course Design Essentials from the CTL. Explore the CTL’s Resources for Assessing Student Learning.

Plan ahead for Fall 2023: assess intentionally

Join the CTL and colleagues for workshops:

Transparent Assignment Design in the Age of AI
90-minute workshop. August 22, 2:00-3:30pm, online.
Related resources: Designing Assignments for Learning and Considerations for AI Tools in the Classroom

Designing STEM Poll Questions that Go Beyond Recall
60-minute workshop. August 23, 1:00-2:00pm, online.
Related resource: Developing Poll Questions to Engage and Assess Student Thinking in Science and Engineering Courses

Making Feedback Matter: Strategies That Serve You and Your Students
60-minute workshop. August 24, 11:00am-12:00pm, online.
Related resources: Feedback for Learning and Effective Feedback in Clinical Education

Intro to Gradescope: Grading and Feedback for Science & Engineering
60-minute workshop. August 24, 1:00-2:00pm, online.
Related resource: Creating Assignments and Grading Online with Gradescope

Workshops This Week

It’s not too late to participate in live offerings this week. Register, Zoom in, and get ready for Fall 2023!

Monday, August 21, 2023

Teaching Inclusively From the Start
August 21, 10:00am-11:00am, online.
Related resource: Guide for Inclusive Teaching at Columbia

It’s in the Syllabus! Or is it?: Designing a Transparent Syllabus. 90-minute.
August 21, 10:00-11:30am, online.
Related resource: Designing an Inclusive Syllabus.

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Getting Started with Active Learning
August 22, 10:00-11:00am, online.
Related resource: Getting Started with Active Learning

Transparent Assignment Design in the Age of AI
August 22, 2:00-3:30pm, online.
Related resources: Designing Assignments for Learning and Considerations for AI Tools in the Classroom

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Three Ways to Manage Your Large Course
August 23, 10:00am-11:00am, online.
Related resource: Teaching Large Courses Effectively and Efficiently

Engaging Students with Poll Everywhere
August 23, 11:30am-12:00pm, online.
Related resource: Poll Everywhere: Audience Response Systems

Designing STEM Poll Questions that Go Beyond Recall
August 23, 1:00-2:00pm, online.
Related resource: Developing Poll Questions to Engage and Assess Student Thinking in Science and Engineering Courses

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Making Feedback Matter: Strategies That Serve You and Your Students
August 24, 11:00am-12:00pm, online.
Related resources: Feedback for Learning and Effective Feedback in Clinical Education

Intro to Gradescope: Grading and Feedback for Science & Engineering
August 24, 1:00-2:00pm, online.
Related resource: Creating Assignments and Grading Online with Gradescope

The CTL is here to help you get ready for Fall 2023!

Office Hours 
Join us for office hours via Zoom (or phone) Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm to have your teaching with instructional technology questions answered.

Consultations
Schedule an in-person or virtual consultation to discuss any teaching and learning need by emailing ctlfaculty@columbia.edu or email the CTL Learning Designer assigned to your school or department.