Assessment Design to Deepen Learning and Promote Academic Integrity

Use low stakes frequent assessments, such as giving more frequent quizzes while reducing the number of exam questions over the material. Frequent low stakes assessments let students work with the material more often, which can lead to better learning. 

Break a midterm or final up into a series of quizzes or mini-exams in Blackboard. Allow students to use notes – have them upload a photo of their notes – on exams or give them a group exam in Padlet or Blackboard. Introduce other forms of assessments, like weekly reflection questions over material, or allow repeated attempts for exams based on mastery of content. Weekly reflections can be given as a journal entry, in a discussion board, or a Padlet post. Giving students more time with frequent, structured assessments like regular quizzes or mini-exams can help deepen learning and reduce student stress.