BOWS Blitz 2023

The workshop provided valuable insights into how to actively engage students in the assessment process of both online and in-person large enrollment settings. Panelists shared strategies for keeping learners motivated and consistently active in the assessment process. 

• Use formative exercises and assessments to gauge student understanding and assess progress.  
• Provide consistent opportunities for student feedback to enhance engagement. 
• Utilize technology to enhance assessment methods; for example, use a D2L quiz bank to create a pool of questions for online assessments. 
• Be clear and specific with your instructions to ensure engagement and understanding. 

The workshop encouraged the exploration of varied teaching and assessment techniques. Panelists discussed different methods' effectiveness and adaptability for large enrolment classes. 

• Be open to various assessment methods, evaluate each, and choose the most effective one.  
• Allow students to participate in the evaluation process; for example, collaborate in creating rubrics. 
• Reimagine and rewrite assessments, consider innovative technologies such as AI tools that are accessible to students. 
• Consider using visual aids, such as “waterfall charts” to compare the differences between two different data sets or processes. These aids can diversify content delivery.  
• Revise assessments based on student feedback. 
• Discuss the real-world relevance of the assignment or assessment to help students relate to the material and stay engaged. 

Panelists shared strategies and methods to ensure students understand and engage with the assessments. 

• Use scaffolding techniques in formative assessments, such as a “step-by-step approach” to break down complex topics and guide student learning. 
• Offer a variety of assessment types to meet the diverse learning needs of students and plan for providing feedback. 
• Seek and incorporate student feedback to adapt assessment strategies and improve assessment quality and relevance.