Beyond Multiple Choice: Non-Traditional Assessments and STEM Classes

🌽Food can be a compelling and relevant topic for non-traditional assessments in STEM classes.

📚Literature-based assessments allow students to explore scientific concepts in real-world contexts.

🌍Incorporating multimedia and infographics can enhance student engagement and understanding.

⚖️Assessments based on current hot topics provide students with opportunities for critical thinking and application of knowledge.

🌱Non-traditional assessments require careful planning and grading, but offer unique ways for students to demonstrate their learning.

How can I incorporate food into an assessment in a STEM class?

—You can ask students to research a compound present in a food item and explain its chemical properties or applications.

Why are non-traditional assessments beneficial?

—Non-traditional assessments allow students to showcase their learning in different ways, connect concepts to real-world contexts, and promote deeper understanding.

What resources can I use to design non-traditional assessments?

—You can utilize infographics, professional society resources, current news topics, and interdisciplinary themes to create engaging assessments.

What challenges may arise when implementing non-traditional assessments?

—Non-traditional assessments require thorough planning, grading time, and careful consideration of individual student responses.

How can I ensure fair grading in non-traditional assessments?

—Establish clear rubrics and evaluation criteria, provide examples of high-quality responses, and offer opportunities for peer feedback and self-reflection.

01:32This video explores the use of non-traditional assessments in STEM classes, including the use of food and literature as assessment themes.

05:30Incorporating multimedia and infographics can enhance student engagement and understanding in non-traditional assessments.

09:35Assessments based on current hot topics provide students with opportunities for critical thinking and application of knowledge.

12:20Non-traditional assessments require careful planning and grading, but offer unique ways for students to demonstrate their learning.