How to Use Copilot to Write a Good Assessment

AI tools like Microsoft Copilot are becoming more useful in education. One of the best ways to use Copilot is to help you write high-quality assessments. However, it’s important to remember that assessments must always match the learning outcomes in your course. This article shows you how to use Copilot effectively, with examples, tips, and things to look out for.

Why Use Copilot for Assessments?

Copilot can:

Help you save time by generating question drafts.
Suggest question formats using Bloom’s Taxonomy.
Match question types to the learning outcome (when guided properly).
Simplify language for learners with English as a second language.
Provide sample answers to support your marking guide.

However, Copilot doesn’t know your learning outcomes unless you tell it. You need to give clear prompts that refer to your unit standards, graduate outcomes, or course learning outcomes.

Always Begin with the Learning Outcome. Before you type a prompt, ask yourself:

“What is my student expected to do or know by the end of this topic?”

Your assessment question must be designed to meet the learning outcome and Copilot can support you with this, but it’s your job to guide it.

Let’s look at some examples

Example Prompt 1: Writing a Short Answer Question

Learning outcome: Identify barriers to effective communication.

Prompt:
“Write a short answer question for a Level 3 communication course about identifying two common barriers to effective communication and explain how they affect understanding. Include a model answer.”

Copilot Response:
Question: Identify two common barriers to effective communication and explain how they affect understanding.
Model Answer: Two common barriers are noise and language differences. Noise can distract listeners and reduce concentration. Language differences can cause misunderstanding if the speaker uses unfamiliar terms.

Example Prompt 2: Creating a Rubric

Learning outcome: Identify barriers to effective communication.

Prompt:
“Write a rubric for a 5-mark question on identifying two common barriers to effective communication and explain how they affect understanding.

Copilot Response:

Assessment Rubric: Active Listening (Total: 5 Marks)

Marking Notes

Examples must be relevant and not copied from the question.
Check that the definition is in the student’s own words and reflects the core idea of active listening.
This task could be completed as a written short answer.

Each marking point supports the outcome.

What to Avoid

Don’t create assessments without checking the learning outcomes.
Don’t accept Copilot’s first version without editing.
Don’t enter real learner information into AI tools.
Don’t forget to check the cultural and educational context of the questions.

Hints and Tips

Use Bloom’s Action Verbs
- Your learning outcome will always include verbs like explain, compare, or analyse, include those in your prompt.
- “Write a question that asks learners to analyse the difference between verbal and non-verbal communication.”
Set the Right Language Level
- Ask Copilot to simplify the vocabulary if needed.
- “Write a short answer question for 15-year-old ESOL learners about body language.”
Review Every Output
- Copilot’s response is just a draft. You must:
- Match it back to the course outcome.
- Check vocabulary and clarity.
- Adapt it to your learners’ needs.
Ask for Variations
- You can get Copilot to write more than one version.
- “Give me a practice and a summative version of a question on time management for communication students studying level 2.