ZZZ Alignment of Assessments

Alignment of Assessments

Why is Alignment Important?

Aligning assessments with learning objectives is vital for effective course design.

Criteria of Alignment

An assessment must meet two criteria to be aligned with learning objectives:

The action verb in the learning objective must match with the action performed in the assessment.

The content or topics described in the learning objective must be covered in the assessment.

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Click each level of the Bloom's pyramid for examples of how learning objectives and assessments can align.

Examples of Alignment

• Recall previously learned information.
• Students are required to know the content, not apply it.

Sample Verbs

• Define
• Identify
• Label
• List
• Recognize

Sample Assessments Quiz/Test with:

• Fill-in-the-Blank
• Multiple-Choice
• Short Answer
• True/False

Remembering

Click each level of the Bloom's pyramid for examples of how learning objectives and assessments can align.

Examples of Alignment

• Demonstrate an understanding or comprehension of the facts.

Sample Verbs

• Categorize
• Demonstrate
• Describe
• Determine
• Discuss

Sample Assessments Discussion ForumPaperBook ReportLiterature ReviewSummaryQuiz/Test (all types)

Understanding

Click each level of the Bloom's pyramid for examples of how learning objectives and assessments can align.

Examples of Alignment

• Apply knowledge and skills to situations.
• Students make predictions, follow procedures, and solve problems.

Sample Verbs

• Apply
• Debate
• Explain
• Relate
• Solve

Sample Assessments Paper, Essay, or Speech Performance or Presentation Problem-Solving Project Discussion Forum Quiz/Test (All types)

Applying

Click each level of the Bloom's pyramid for examples of how learning objectives and assessments can align.

Examples of Alignment

• Break down objects or ideas into simpler parts and find evidence to support generalizations.

Sample Verbs

• Analyze
• Compare
• Contrast
• Deduce
• Outline

Sample Assessments Discussion Forum Case Study Problem-Solving Project Paper: Analysis, Critique, etc.

Analyzing

Click each level of the Bloom's pyramid for examples of how learning objectives and assessments can align.

Examples of Alignment

• Make and defend judgments based on internal evidence or external criteria.

Sample Verbs

• Assess
• Diagnose
• Estimate
• Evaluate
• Interpret

Sample Assessments Paper (Critique, Review, etc.) Case Study Quiz/Test Essay Questions

Evaluating

Click each level of the Bloom's pyramid for examples of how learning objectives and assessments can align.

Examples of Alignment

• Compile component ideas into a new whole or propose alternative solutions.

Sample Verbs

• Compose
• Construct
• Develop
• Design
• Produce

Sample Assessments Blueprint Model Portfolio Performance/Presentation Website/Multimedia product

Creating

Let's Practice (1 of 3)

Learning Objective: Students will be able to calculate the kinetic energy of a projectile.

Let's Practice (2 of 3)

Learning Objective: Students will be able to explain the effect of immigration on American culture.

Let's Practice (3 of 3)

Learning Objective: Students will be able to discuss different strategies for conducting comprehensive market research for their business plan.

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