Tasks

Tasks form the foundation of assessment design. An assessment task is one where the learner’s performance is judged (either by educators or fellow learners) and this judgement is communicated (often as a grade but more valuably through written or verbal comments). An assessment task requires a learner to commit to their interpretation of the content, and it permits correction of errors and development of skills. A well-designed assessment task takes into account the different purposes of assessment; aligns with the overall teaching including learning outcomes; provides opportunity for iterative practice and feedback; and supports appropriate and helpful judgements about the learner’s performance. Optimally designed assessment tasks also are sustainable from: 1) The perspective of developing the learner’s own capacity to make evaluative judgements about their future work; and 2) The perspective of the teacher’s workload. New and innovative tasks can challenge accepted practices, and interactions with colleagues and students alike may be required when introducing new tasks.

Key assessment considerations: