Blended Assessment Methods
Blended assessment methods are the combination of traditional assessment techniques, such as exams and quizzes, with inventive ways like peer assessments and self-evaluations. The combination of the two methods promotes the learning process because it considers the different ways students learn and provides a better overall picture of the students' comprehension.
The use of blended assessment methods comes with a multitude of merits such as a more comprehensive comprehension of student performance, enhanced involvement through diverse assessment types, and the facilitation of critical thinking capabilities. To illustrate, for instance, the integration of multiple-choice questions with project-based evaluations enables teachers to measure not only knowledge retention but also application and analytical skills.
In order for teachers to pragmatically implement blended assessment methods, they must identify clear learning objectives and then choose the appropriate assessment types according to those objectives. For example, the teacher can use quizzes to assess the students' basic knowledge, while he/she can apply group projects in collaboration with the students in order to evaluate detailing and resolving issues abilities. Furthermore, this approach can be enhanced by regular feedback and reflection sessions.
The changes that educators face might be coming from the students and faculty resisting to adapt to the changes, they require more training in the new assessment techniques, and they might have the potential biases in the subjective assessments such as peer reviews. For instance, students may lack the confidence to assess the quality of their classmates' work, which can obstruct the effectiveness of the methods unless they are properly guided.
Definitely, using a digital platform and tools that make available a variety of assessments can facilitate blended assessment methods and hence, it can be adapted for online learning effectively. For instance, online quizzes can be coupled with virtual group discussions or digital portfolios where students display their projects. This Adaptability leads to the feedback and assessment provided in real-time, which is the best-fitting for remote learning conditions.