In the previous page we looked at making learning visible and starting with the end in mind with reference to backward design. Here we will concentrate on how you can ensure alignment with your learning objectives, for the assessments and instructional activities that you design. Every assessment should be created with a specific learning objective in mind, and learning objectives can vary in learning level. Once you have created your learning objectives, developing assessments aligned to those objectives ensures that you are providing sufficient opportunities for students to practice and meet the learning objectives at the time of assessment (CC By: Stanford Blended learning course). This page will fill in the details with a couple of films that look at constructive alignment of assessments with your intended learning outcomes. The next page will give you an overview of three common taxonomies used in learning outcomes.

What is constructive alignment?

If you want to remind yourself what constructive alignment is then we recommend that you watch Chris Tuffnell from BLADE present the basics and its relevance for learning design in this video (5.55minutes) from Youtube:

Constructive alignment in terms of what the student does

In this presentation (3:45min) Carolyn Hoessler, Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching Effectiveness Program and Course Design Specialist, discusses Constructive Alignment and illustrates why it is important to align the assessment task with the learning outcome. She refers to John Bigg's article: What the student does: teaching for enhanced learning, John Biggs, Higher Education Research & Development Vol. 31 , Iss. 1,2012

The University of Reading have compiled a page on constructive alignment in assessment design which is well worth visiting and is a good place to start when thinking about learning outcomes and assessment alignment:

Constructive alignment in assessment design

What is the role of alignment in assessment?

In this film (2:41min) Professor Boud talks the role of alignment in assessment design.

References

Biggs, J. B. (2005). Aligning teaching for constructing learning. (pdf, 64k)Higher Education Academy Discussion Paper