Giving Students a Choice Between Assessments

Students are given two options to complete an assessment and directed to choose one.

Providing students with options encourages their autonomy in completing the coursework and lets them choose the option that interests them more, providing more motivation and engagement with the assessment itself.

The instructor gives students the choice between two assessments, and they are directed to complete only one. To make this work in Canvas, a rule is set up in the “Assignments” area to drop the lowest grade, so the option that is not chosen is dropped from the gradebook and students do not receive a zero for incomplete work.

Screenshot of list of quizzes and assessment activities where students choose one option from each category — Screenshot of Student Assignment Choices

The two assessment options must align to the same outcomes to ensure student work is evaluated consistently. Also, the options should be similar in rigor so one is not worth more than the other.

Testimonial

This practice allows students to demonstrate mastery of the topic without them having to also be proficient at doing a specific assessment a specific way. It is the mastery of the material that is important, not the specific way in how they demonstrate that mastery.

Dubear Kroening, UW-Oshkosh

Providing students with a choice for which assessment to complete gives them autonomy over their work and provides motivation.

Laurie Berry, Instructional Designer

Giving Students a Choice Between Assessments

Overview

Why Use This?

How Does It Work?

Keep In Mind

Testimonial