Objectives and assessment

In the previous phase, we set the framework for the course and planted the seed of an idea. Now, it’s time to dig deeper into where learning stands once the course is completed and it’s time to reap the rewards. What does that mean?

Purpose

The purpose of the Objectives and assessment phase is to break down the course’s learning objectives into their fundamental components, smaller sub-goals. You will also consider how both the learner and you, as the instructor, can assess the level of competence achieved during the course. This step will reveal how learners are guided to act, what elements the course consists of, and how assessment is conducted in a learner-centered way.

Key success factors

• Learning objectives are written in a way that students understand what is being aimed for.
• There are not too many learning objectives.
• The learning objectives are aligned with each other and with the assessment.
• Learning tasks generate material that can be used to assess the targeted competencies.
• Students can assess their own competence, track its development, and make it visible.
• Assessment is feasible within the given constraints (e.g., available time and number of students).

Resources, tools, methods, and guidelines

For pedagogical planning:

• From the Learning Design course:
  • Clarify the objectives, including content on alignment between assessment and objectives.
  • Plan the assessment, including continuous and formative assessment.
  • Student feedback from previous implementations.

Digital pedagogical layer:

Basics of the Gradebook in Moodle.

Touchpoint:

Objectives and assessment workshop

Co-creation for better outcomes

Invite relevant stakeholders to collaborate, such as:

• Degree program coordinator (perspective on objectives and assessment in relation to other courses)
• Your own team or colleagues
• A colleague unfamiliar with the course content
• An e-learning specialist or an educational developer
• Generative artificial intelligence, for example, to articulate objectives and check alignment.