Giving Students a Choice Between Assessments
Overview
Students are given two options to complete an assessment and directed to choose one.
Why Use This?
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.
How Does It Work?
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 Student Assignment Choices
Quizzes (Choose One)
C04 Assessment: Multiple Choice Quiz
C04 Assessment: Written Quiz
Assessment Activities (Choose One)
C04 Assessment Activity: Resource Evaluation Report
C04 Assessment Activity: DNA Extraction
Keep In Mind
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.