{"id":413,"date":"2021-12-02T15:48:06","date_gmt":"2021-12-02T15:48:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/chapter\/traditional-assessments\/"},"modified":"2021-12-09T03:58:42","modified_gmt":"2021-12-09T03:58:42","slug":"traditional-assessments","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/chapter\/traditional-assessments\/","title":{"raw":"Traditional Assessments in Virtual Environments","rendered":"Traditional Assessments in Virtual Environments"},"content":{"raw":"<h2>Traditional Assessments in Virtual Environments<\/h2>\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"500\"]<img src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2021\/07\/AdobeStock_207975526-scaled-e1637610884539-2.jpeg\" alt=\"Pencil, Sharpener and eraser on answer sheets or Standardized test form with answers bubbled. multiple choice answer sheet\" width=\"500\" height=\"264\" \/> Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/ca\/images\/pencil-sharpener-and-eraser-on-answer-sheets-or-standardized-test-form-with-answers-bubbled-multiple-choice-answer-sheet\/207975526?content_id=207975526&amp;asset_id=207975526\">Photo<\/a> by <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/ca\/contributor\/204824381\/namakuki\">NaMaKuKi<\/a> from <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/ca\/free\">Adobe Stock free collection<\/a>[\/caption]\r\n\r\nTraditional assessments measure knowledge and understanding by guiding learners to:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Recall facts and concepts<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Measure their own improvement over time<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Comprehend and restate ideas<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Articulate knowledge<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nQuizzes, reports, essays, multiple choice questions, and unit tests are a few examples of traditional assessments.\r\n\r\nTraditional assessment methods are common in virtual learning environments such as learning management systems (LMSs) like Blackboard, D2L Brightspace, and Moodle.\r\n<h5>Benefits<\/h5>\r\nWhen accessed in an LMS, traditional assessments are fairly easy to assign, submit, and grade. LMS companies are continually improving assessment tools to improve accessibility functionality and make student evaluation more user-friendly for post-secondary instructors.\r\n<h5>Limitations<\/h5>\r\nWhile traditional assessments can, in some cases, encourage students to apply new knowledge, they offer little opportunity for collaboration and strategic problem solving. They do little to teach us about who learners are, what their goals are, and how you as a teacher can help them meet their goals.\r\n\r\nTraditional assessments can create <strong>barriers to learning<\/strong> when\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>their format and design are inaccessible,<\/li>\r\n \t<li>when instructions are unclear, and<\/li>\r\n \t<li>when evaluation methods are unfair and not inclusive.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_380\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"997\"]<img class=\"wp-image-380 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2021\/12\/traditional-assessments-2.png\" alt=\"Word cloud of traditional assignment types. Description to follow in captions. \" width=\"997\" height=\"501\" \/> Caption: A word cloud of traditional assignment types: true-false, summary, quiz, matching, report, essay, lab report, unit, short answer,[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Knowledge Check: An Example of Online Traditional Assessment<\/h2>\r\nA common example of online traditional assessments is a <strong>knowledge check<\/strong>, which is a quick and easy strategy for students to self-assess their understanding of content as they work their way through learning modules at their own pace. Knowledge checks are traditional examples of <strong>formative assessment<\/strong>, in which learners can gauge their in-process learning to ensure they can understand, remember, and apply concepts and ideas in a low-stakes environment. Knowledge checks guide us in our planning, helping us monitor learner participation and identify gaps for learners who are struggling.\r\n<div class=\"textbox callout\">Knowledge checks usually consist of two to four questions with no penalty for incorrect responses. Students who provide the incorrect response are prompted to try again. Sometimes each response will prompt an explanation to provide context and better support learning.<\/div>\r\nHere\u2019s an example of a knowledge check.\r\n\r\n[h5p id=\"124\"]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-thumbnail alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2021\/12\/Yellow__Idea-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/>\r\n\r\n<strong>\r\nTip: <\/strong>Creating online knowledge checks is straightforward. It takes just a few minutes for teachers to build them directly in the LMS. Alternatively, they can find free and easy digital tools such as quiz generators and embed the quiz into the LMS.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div class=\"textbox callout\">\r\n\r\n<strong>Traditional assignments provide structure for educators because they help us:\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Assign grades<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Conduct knowledge checks to see where learners \u201care at\u201d<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Figure out who was \u201cpaying attention\u201d and who wasn\u2019t<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Compare learners against standards<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Compare learners against each other<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n[h5p id=\"125\"]\r\n<h2>Knowledge Check: Traditional or Not?<\/h2>\r\nLet's review your understanding of traditional assessments with a short knowledge check activity.\r\n\r\nHere are some examples of assessments that are common in virtual learning environments. Each is assessing student knowledge of military service of Indigenous Peoples and Black Canadians. Review each assessment below and indicate if it is a traditional assessment or non-traditional assessment.\r\n\r\n[h5p id=\"126\"]\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--reflection\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<h2 class=\"textbox__title\">Reflection<\/h2>\r\n<\/header>[h5p id=\"127\"]\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2>Traditional Assessments as Barriers to Learning<\/h2>\r\nEarlier, we discussed how traditional assessment practices can create barriers to learning when their format and design are inaccessible, when instructions are unclear and when evaluation methods are unfair and not inclusive.\r\n\r\nStudents may struggle with traditional assessments when:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Time limits are not realistic<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">The weighting of the assignment does not reflect the amount of work that goes into the completion of the task<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Assessment topics are unrelated to the learning materials or course goals<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Assessments are not authentic because they don\u2019t apply to the real world<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are no opportunities for self-expression<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<div class=\"textbox callout\">\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-thumbnail alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2021\/12\/Yellow__Idea-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/>\r\n<h4>Tips to Removing Barriers in Assessments[footnote]<a href=\"http:\/\/udloncampus.cast.org\/page\/assessment_udl#l1970365\">UDL and Assessment<\/a>\u00a0(2021). Centre for Applied Special Technology.[\/footnote]<\/h4>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use concise, plain language in assessment instructions.<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Provide instructions and rubrics ahead of time, and encourage questions.<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Expect application, not memorization.<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Make connections to real-world situations and complex problems.<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Follow <a href=\"http:\/\/udloncampus.cast.org\/page\/assessment_udl#l1970365\">UDL principles in assessment design<\/a>.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Provide choice for students in topics and processes<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use multiple modes of representing information<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Support learner variability by asking students to present information in a mode that suits their preferences (graphic, written, spoken, musical, etc.).<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Allow for revisions and consider \u201cungrading\u201d. Instead, provide constructive feedback in writing or in audio format for meaningful revisions.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2>Apply your Knowledge<\/h2>\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--reflection\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<h2 class=\"textbox__title\">Reflection<\/h2>\r\n<\/header>[h5p id=\"123\"]\r\n\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<h2>Traditional Assessments in Virtual Environments<\/h2>\n<figure style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2021\/07\/AdobeStock_207975526-scaled-e1637610884539-2.jpeg\" alt=\"Pencil, Sharpener and eraser on answer sheets or Standardized test form with answers bubbled. multiple choice answer sheet\" width=\"500\" height=\"264\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/ca\/images\/pencil-sharpener-and-eraser-on-answer-sheets-or-standardized-test-form-with-answers-bubbled-multiple-choice-answer-sheet\/207975526?content_id=207975526&amp;asset_id=207975526\">Photo<\/a> by <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/ca\/contributor\/204824381\/namakuki\">NaMaKuKi<\/a> from <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/ca\/free\">Adobe Stock free collection<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Traditional assessments measure knowledge and understanding by guiding learners to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Recall facts and concepts<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Measure their own improvement over time<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Comprehend and restate ideas<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Articulate knowledge<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Quizzes, reports, essays, multiple choice questions, and unit tests are a few examples of traditional assessments.<\/p>\n<p>Traditional assessment methods are common in virtual learning environments such as learning management systems (LMSs) like Blackboard, D2L Brightspace, and Moodle.<\/p>\n<h5>Benefits<\/h5>\n<p>When accessed in an LMS, traditional assessments are fairly easy to assign, submit, and grade. LMS companies are continually improving assessment tools to improve accessibility functionality and make student evaluation more user-friendly for post-secondary instructors.<\/p>\n<h5>Limitations<\/h5>\n<p>While traditional assessments can, in some cases, encourage students to apply new knowledge, they offer little opportunity for collaboration and strategic problem solving. They do little to teach us about who learners are, what their goals are, and how you as a teacher can help them meet their goals.<\/p>\n<p>Traditional assessments can create <strong>barriers to learning<\/strong> when<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>their format and design are inaccessible,<\/li>\n<li>when instructions are unclear, and<\/li>\n<li>when evaluation methods are unfair and not inclusive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_380\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-380\" style=\"width: 997px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-380 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2021\/12\/traditional-assessments-2.png\" alt=\"Word cloud of traditional assignment types. Description to follow in captions.\" width=\"997\" height=\"501\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-380\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Caption: A word cloud of traditional assignment types: true-false, summary, quiz, matching, report, essay, lab report, unit, short answer,<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Knowledge Check: An Example of Online Traditional Assessment<\/h2>\n<p>A common example of online traditional assessments is a <strong>knowledge check<\/strong>, which is a quick and easy strategy for students to self-assess their understanding of content as they work their way through learning modules at their own pace. Knowledge checks are traditional examples of <strong>formative assessment<\/strong>, in which learners can gauge their in-process learning to ensure they can understand, remember, and apply concepts and ideas in a low-stakes environment. Knowledge checks guide us in our planning, helping us monitor learner participation and identify gaps for learners who are struggling.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox callout\">Knowledge checks usually consist of two to four questions with no penalty for incorrect responses. Students who provide the incorrect response are prompted to try again. Sometimes each response will prompt an explanation to provide context and better support learning.<\/div>\n<p>Here\u2019s an example of a knowledge check.<\/p>\n<div id=\"h5p-124\">\n<div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-124\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"124\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"Check the accurate statements about knowledge checks:\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-thumbnail alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2021\/12\/Yellow__Idea-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong><br \/>\nTip: <\/strong>Creating online knowledge checks is straightforward. It takes just a few minutes for teachers to build them directly in the LMS. Alternatively, they can find free and easy digital tools such as quiz generators and embed the quiz into the LMS.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox callout\">\n<p><strong>Traditional assignments provide structure for educators because they help us:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Assign grades<\/li>\n<li>Conduct knowledge checks to see where learners \u201care at\u201d<\/li>\n<li>Figure out who was \u201cpaying attention\u201d and who wasn\u2019t<\/li>\n<li>Compare learners against standards<\/li>\n<li>Compare learners against each other<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"h5p-125\">\n<div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-125\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"125\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"What are some reasons why  teachers use traditional assessments in online environments?\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Knowledge Check: Traditional or Not?<\/h2>\n<p>Let&#8217;s review your understanding of traditional assessments with a short knowledge check activity.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some examples of assessments that are common in virtual learning environments. Each is assessing student knowledge of military service of Indigenous Peoples and Black Canadians. Review each assessment below and indicate if it is a traditional assessment or non-traditional assessment.<\/p>\n<div id=\"h5p-126\">\n<div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-126\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"126\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"Traditional or Non-Traditional\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--reflection\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<h2 class=\"textbox__title\">Reflection<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"h5p-127\">\n<div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-127\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"127\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"examples of traditional assessments.\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Traditional Assessments as Barriers to Learning<\/h2>\n<p>Earlier, we discussed how traditional assessment practices can create barriers to learning when their format and design are inaccessible, when instructions are unclear and when evaluation methods are unfair and not inclusive.<\/p>\n<p>Students may struggle with traditional assessments when:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Time limits are not realistic<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">The weighting of the assignment does not reflect the amount of work that goes into the completion of the task<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Assessment topics are unrelated to the learning materials or course goals<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Assessments are not authentic because they don\u2019t apply to the real world<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are no opportunities for self-expression<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"textbox callout\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-thumbnail alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2021\/12\/Yellow__Idea-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/p>\n<h4>Tips to Removing Barriers in Assessments<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"UDL and Assessment\u00a0(2021). Centre for Applied Special Technology.\" id=\"return-footnote-413-1\" href=\"#footnote-413-1\" aria-label=\"Footnote 1\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[1]<\/sup><\/a><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use concise, plain language in assessment instructions.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Provide instructions and rubrics ahead of time, and encourage questions.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Expect application, not memorization.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Make connections to real-world situations and complex problems.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Follow <a href=\"http:\/\/udloncampus.cast.org\/page\/assessment_udl#l1970365\">UDL principles in assessment design<\/a>.\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Provide choice for students in topics and processes<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use multiple modes of representing information<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Support learner variability by asking students to present information in a mode that suits their preferences (graphic, written, spoken, musical, etc.).<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Allow for revisions and consider \u201cungrading\u201d. Instead, provide constructive feedback in writing or in audio format for meaningful revisions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Apply your Knowledge<\/h2>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--reflection\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<h2 class=\"textbox__title\">Reflection<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"h5p-123\">\n<div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-123\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"123\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"Overview of Online Assessments - Apply your Knowledge\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr class=\"before-footnotes clear\" \/><div class=\"footnotes\"><ol><li id=\"footnote-413-1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/udloncampus.cast.org\/page\/assessment_udl#l1970365\">UDL and Assessment<\/a>\u00a0(2021). Centre for Applied Special Technology. <a href=\"#return-footnote-413-1\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 1\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"menu_order":2,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":"cc-by"},"chapter-type":[49],"contributor":[],"license":[53],"class_list":["post-413","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry","chapter-type-numberless","license-cc-by"],"part":405,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/413","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/413\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":434,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/413\/revisions\/434"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/405"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/413\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=413"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=413"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=413"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.publishdot.com\/sbvqualitycourses\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=413"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}