Five factors for success in remote assessment (Teaching Tip)

As you prepare for your final exams, consider the following factors:

1. Ask yourself: What ways can my students demonstrate what they know? How can I make it more meaningful/authentic? How can I incorporate knowledge creation?
2. Consider the impact of proctored exams. Faculty should consider other assessment strategies to adapt to our unprecedented situation, only using proctored exams when no other options work (e.g., due to accreditation rules). For these reasons, we recommend choosing a suitable remote assessment method (e.g., fact sheet, group project, non-traditional essay, Open Book, or “Take-home” Exam, etc.) on the CELT Remote Assessments page.
3. Communicate clearly with your students. Provide an announcement that contains information about the exam, clarify essential details, using these guiding questions.
4. Be available. Recognize that students may require your assistance during your exam/assessment period (e.g., what happens if there are technical issues?). In your communication, please provide the most reliable way for them to contact you or technical support.
5. Remind students about the importance of academic integrity. Continue to promote academic integrity throughout your course; don’t forget to prominently place the academic integrity statement at the beginning of the assessment to emphasize responsible behavior. See examples on the Academic Integrity page.

Are you interested in discovering more remote assessment strategies? Register to attend the ISU Online Learning Community, Nov. 13 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., via Webex form). Join us to hear Dr. Monica Lamm, Associate Professor, Chemical and Biological Engineering, explains “public exams” in courses while demystifying the design and development of final exams for students (see this Inside Iowa State story). We will also discuss recent Canvas updates and features to accommodate final assessments.

With a joy for teaching,

Sara Marcketti, Director
Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching

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