LAR: Alternative assessment ideas for March

Insights, Resources, & Application (IRAs)

Description: In conjunction with an assigned reading, students complete a written assignment with three components: new perceptions or understandings (Insights), a resource they have                 found that relates to the reading’s themes or content (Resources), and an example from the student’s personal experience that relates to the reading (Application).

Benefits: This activity engages students by encouraging them to reflect upon the reading and identify what they have learned, where to find more information, and how this relates to their personal experience, and perhaps, future profession.

When this might be useful: This can be used for assigned readings, videos, or podcasts and could be integrated into Moodle as a forum for students to share their findings and further dialogue with others.

Think-Aloud-Pair-Problem-Solving (TAPPS)

Description: For this activity, students receive a series of problems as well as specific roles – problem solver and listener – that alternate with each problem. The problem solver thinks aloud, talking through the steps of solving the problem, while the partner listens, following the steps, attempting to understand the reasoning behind the steps, and offering suggestions if there are missteps.

Benefits: This activity focusses on the problem-solving process rather than the product. Guiding as well as listening assists learners in identifying errors in logic and fosters analytical skills. In addition, this activity adds to learners’ metacognitive awareness by highlighting their learning process, where they are confident with concepts, and where they may benefit from further practice and support.

When this might be useful: TAPPS can be used in STEM and Trades courses with calculations, or in other disciplines with case studies and when crafting arguments.

Adapted from Barkley, E. & Major, C. (2020). Student engagement techniques: A handbook for college faculty. Jossey-Bass.

Want to read more? Check out more alternative assessment suggestions from Learning and Applied Research published in January and February.