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Students bring different experiences, strengths, and interests to their learning. Personalised learning pathways provide purposeful choices in how students engage with learning and prepare for assessment, while ensuring all students work towards the same learning outcomes and assessment standards. What are personalised learning pathways? Personalised learning pathways give students limited, purposeful choices in how they engage with …
Many assessments require students to apply knowledge in realistic situations. Story-based and scenario-based learning can help students connect theory to practice, build confidence, and prepare for assessment tasks. This approach supports students to understand expectations and practise skills before completing formal assessments. Story‑based learning Story-based learning uses an ongoing narrative to frame learning content. As the …
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 …
Student engagement is influenced by how learning and assessment are designed. When learning activities clearly support assessment tasks, students are more likely to participate, apply their knowledge, and stay engaged throughout a course. This article explores practical strategies for designing assessment experiences that encourage ongoing engagement. What do we mean by student engagement? Student engagement refers …
Although model answers, marking schedules, and rubrics are often used together, they each play a different role in assessment and marking. Let’s look at a simple example. Question (5 marks) Describe a duck to someone who has never seen one. Model Answer A duck is a waterbird with a broad bill, webbed feet, and waterproof feathers. Ducks …
With your marking schedule in place, it’s time to start marking. A well-designed marking schedule should do much of the hard work for you. It provides a consistent guide for awarding marks, helps reduce guesswork, and ensures students are assessed fairly against the learning outcomes. Is the question answered correctly? Check if the student’s answer matches the learning outcome …
A marking schedule outlines how marks are awarded for each question in an exam. It identifies the key points, concepts, or answers that markers should look for when reviewing student responses. Unlike a rubric, which is typically used for assignments, a marking schedule focuses on allocating marks for specific answers. Read more about different marking guides (and the duck test). …
Staring at a blank exam paper can be surprisingly difficult. Before you begin writing questions, it helps to spend some time planning. A little preparation up front can save a lot of rewriting later. A few places to start: Testing the Learning Outcomes By reviewing the learning outcomes first, you can ensure your exam directly …
Canvas LMS Gradebook (Marks) allows you to download data as a CSV file, providing a simple way to back up records or share results with administrators. Exporting grades makes it easier to organise, review, and report student progress outside the platform using Excel. Follow these steps to download your Markbook:
Using Microsoft Forms provides a secure and easy way for ākonga to privately submit assessments directly to kaiako. This process can be used when assessment submissions cannot be collected through Canvas LMS or when an alternative secure submission method is required. Why use Microsoft Forms for assessment submissions? This workflow also reduces the risks associated …
Strong alignment helps learners understand what is expected, supports fair assessment, and reduces issues during moderation. When GPOs, LOs, and assessments are aligned, learning becomes clearer, more meaningful, and easier to demonstrate. Key Principle: Verb Integrity Alignment starts with one key principle: A learning outcome is valid when the assessment shows clear evidence of the verb in action. If …
What is an Assessment Type? An assessment type is the method used to collect evidence of learning. Assessments are used to show whether learners have achieved the Learning Outcomes (LOs) for a course. Assessment types are suited to various kinds of learning, skills, and levels of complexity. Key points about assessment types: Ask yourself: “Can this assessment …
What are Graduate Profile Outcomes (GPOs)? Graduate Profile Outcomes describe what a learner will know, understand, and be able to do by the time they complete a qualification. Key points about GPOs, they: In simple terms, GPOs answer the question: “What kind of graduate will this qualification produce?” What are Learning Outcomes (LOs)? Learning Outcomes describe what …
The Level Descriptors Guide helps lecturers design learning outcomes, activities, and assessments that match the correct qualification level. In Aotearoa, the NZQCF levels describe the knowledge, skills, and independence students should demonstrate. Using the guide helps ensure your course expectations align with the level students are studying. A useful idea when applying the guide is …
Contributing author: Christina Eloisa Masae Malo le soifua manuia. O lo’u igoa o Christina Eloisa MasaeO le nu’u o lo’u tamā o Paia ma Safotu i Gafaifomauga i Savai’i. O le nu’u o lo’u tinā o Saleilua i Falealili i Upolu. O lo’u galuega o le Pacific Learning Advisor. My role is to support all …
