Improving Assessments: Reducing Barriers and Increasing Challenge

🔑Cheating is not always the worst option; it can be a result of students feeling blocked in their pursuit of honorable achievement.

🔑Assessments should be memorable and inspirational, encouraging students to engage with the material beyond the classroom.

🔑Barriers like inaccessibility, identity, literacy, and cheating perceptions can hinder student success on assessments.

🔑Instructors have a major role in mediating barriers and creating an inclusive, supportive assessment environment.

🔑Failure, in the sense of not getting credit, shouldn't be the focus; temporary and partial failures are opportunities for learning.

How can we reduce barriers for students in assessments?

—Reduce barriers by ensuring the assessment format is accessible, addressing identity-related concerns, providing adequate literacy support, and promoting an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

What makes an assessment memorable and inspirational?

—Memorable assessments go beyond traditional testing, engaging students in ways that leave a lasting impact on their learning. Inspirational assessments challenge students, promote critical thinking, and connect to real-world applications.

How can instructors support students in overcoming challenges?

—Instructors can support students by acknowledging their efforts, providing clear instructions and resources, offering additional help or tutoring, and creating a safe space for asking questions and seeking assistance.

How can instructors create an inclusive assessment environment?

—Instructors can create an inclusive environment by valuing diversity, using inclusive language and examples, accommodating diverse learning needs, and promoting equal opportunities for all students to succeed.

How should we view failure in assessments?

—Failure in assessments should be seen as an opportunity for growth and learning, rather than a permanent setback. Students should be encouraged to learn from their mistakes and understand that temporary and partial failures are part of the learning process.

00:01Introduction: The importance of improving assessments and reducing barriers for students.

02:58The role of instructors in supporting students and creating an inclusive assessment environment.

08:18Understanding the reasons behind cheating and the sociocultural factors influencing student behavior.

12:26Exploring different barriers to student success and how instructors can mitigate them.

13:43The importance of viewing failure as a learning opportunity and promoting growth mindset.