Students are more likely to engage with assessment when they can see how their learning is developing over time.
When assessment consists of a single final submission, students often focus on completing the task rather than building understanding throughout the course.
Interactive learning activities, regular feedback, and visible progress can help students stay engaged and better prepared for assessment.
The goal is to create opportunities for students to practise, apply knowledge, and improve before completing formal assessment tasks.
Using interactive learning to support assessment
Interactive learning activities allow students to actively engage with course content before they are assessed.
This can include:
- Apply knowledge in realistic contexts
- Check their understanding
- Identify misconceptions early
- Receive feedback before assessment
Interactive learning help students build the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed.
Making assessment progress visible
Students are more likely to stay engaged when they understand what is expected and can see their progress.
This can be supported through:
- Assessment checkpoints
- Milestones and staged submissions
- Progress tracking tools
- Regular feedback opportunities
These approaches help students manage their workload and maintain momentum throughout the course.
Examples and strategies aligned to assessment
Example 1: Nursing – Building assessment readiness through quizzes
A nursing course includes an assessment on patient safety and clinical decision-making.
Strategy:
- Short, low-stakes quizzes are placed throughout the course
- Each quiz focuses on scenarios similar to those used in the assessment
- Students receive immediate feedback explaining the correct response
How this supports assessment:
- Helps students practise clinical judgement
- Identifies knowledge gaps early
- Reduces anxiety by familiarising students with assessment expectations
Example 2: Nursing – Assessment checkpoints
Students complete a written assessment analysing ethical issues in nursing practice.
Strategy:
- The assessment is broken into checkpoints:
- Topic selection
- Scenario analysis
- Application of professional standards
- Students receive immediate feedback explaining the correct response
How this supports assessment:
- Encourages steady progress
- Helps students address issues early
- Supports deeper learning before final submission
Example 3: Business – Scenario based challenges
A business course includes an assessment on organisational decision-making.
Strategy:
- Students complete short scenario-based activities during the course
- Each activity presents a business challenge requiring a decision
- Feedback explains the implications of different responses
How this supports assessment:
- Develops analytical thinking
- Builds confidence applying theory to practice
- Clarifies assessment expectations
Example 4: Business – Progress tracking for group assessments
Students complete a group project analysing a business case.
Strategy:
- A checklist outlines key project stages
- Each stage aligns with assessment criteria
- Groups monitor progress throughout the project
How this supports assessment:
- Keeps teams organised
- Makes expectations visible
- Encourages accountability and collaboration
Students are more likely to engage with assessment when they have opportunities to practise, receive feedback, and track their progress.
Interactive learning activities and clear assessment milestones help students build confidence, develop understanding, and prepare for success.
For more:
Designing Assessments That Support Student Engagement
Using Interactive Learning to Support Assessment
Story-Based and Scenario-Based Learning in Assessment Design
Designing Flexible Pathways for Assessment Success