Methods of Assessment

The chart below is a modified version of the information found at Oxford Brookes University, which uses the eight categories of learning outcomes described by Nightingale et al (1996).*

Is the goal or objective...	Then consider…
Thinking critically and making judgments? (Developing arguments, reflecting, evaluating, assessing, judging)	Essay Report Journal Letter of Advice to (about policy, public health matters ) Present a case for an interest group Prepare a committee briefing paper for a specific meeting Book review (or article) for a particular journal Write a newspaper article for a foreign newspaper Comment on an article's theoretical perspective
Solving problems and developing plans? (Identifying problems, posing problems, defining problems, analyzing data, reviewing, designing experiments, planning, applying information)	Problem scenario Group Work Work-based problem Prepare a committee of enquiry report Draft a research bid to a realistic brief Analyze a case Conference paper (or notes for a conference paper plus annotated bibliography)
Performing procedures and demonstrating techniques? (Computation, taking readings, using equipment, following laboratory procedures, following protocols, carrying out instructions)	Demonstration Role Play Make a video (write script and produce/make a video) Produce a poster Lab report Prepare an illustrated manual on using the equipment, for a particular audience Observation of real or simulated professional practice
Managing and developing oneself? (Working co-operatively, working independently, learning independently, being self-directed, managing time, managing tasks, organizing)	Journal Portfolio Learning Contract Group work
Accessing and managing information? (Researching, investigating, interpreting, organizing information, reviewing, and paraphrasing information, collecting data, searching and managing information sources, observing and interpreting)	Annotated bibliography Project Dissertation Applied task Applied problem
Demonstrating knowledge and understanding? (Recalling, describing, reporting, recounting, recognizing, identifying, relating & interrelating)	Written examination Oral examination Essay Report Comment on the accuracy of a set of records Devise an encyclopedia entry Produce an A - Z of ... Write an answer to a client's question Short answer questions: True/False/ Multiple Choice Questions (paper-based or computer-aided-assessment)
Designing, creating, performing? (Imagining, visualizing, designing, producing, creating, innovating, performing)	Portfolio Performance Presentation Hypothetical Projects
Communicating? (One and two-way communication; communication within a group, verbal, written and non-verbal communication. Arguing, describing, advocating, interviewing, negotiating, presenting; using specific written forms)	Written presentation (essay, report, reflective paper etc.) Oral presentation Group work Discussion/debate/role play Participate in a 'Court of Enquiry' Presentation to camera Observation of real or simulated professional practice

* Nightingale, P., Te Wiata, I.T., Toohey, S., Ryan, G., Hughes, C., Magin, D. (1996) Assessing Learning in Universities Professional Development Centre, University of New South Wales, Australia.

Source: Oxford Brookes University, (2007). Methods of assessment. Retrieved May 14, 2008, from Oxford Brookes University Web site: http://www.brookes.ac.uk/services/ocsd/2_learntch/methods.html

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