Question: What's a "softer" name for an assessment? Some folks where I work are concerned this term is causing learner anxiety (though, I'm not sure I'm convinced). So, I'm just wondering what others use? And I'm talking a formal, graded assessment - not a quiz or learning check. Thanks!
I suppose they wouldn't like "test," either. How about "the challenge"? Or just introduce it without an official label, e.g., "To successfully complete thiscourse, you'll need to correctly answer at least # of the following ## questions."
BTW, I don't think "assessment" is that scary. And let's face it, you have to make it plain that they're being graded; that either will or will not cause anxiety. You can soften it by explaining up front what kind of feedback they'll get and how many times they can re-take the "challenge."
Maybe 'Knowledge Check' or 'Checking for understanding'? Or does it even need to be called anything at all? You could simply say in the narration something along the lines of "...and now for a few questions" or something like that.
I wouldn't say to the learner (however you communicate the message to the leaner - narration or text) that "you're going to be evaluated/assessed." On a side note, assessment is not the same thing as evaluation.
Can you soften the message by including in the message "if you don't pass the test the first time, keep trying until you do"?
We sometimes call them Challanges (or Games if they are designed as one), or use - Self Assesment (when the score is more for them than for us or their managers).
"We need to see that you can apply what you have learned here to your working environment, so here's some questions. The target is to get 80% correct, and if you don't you'll get another chance. You get two chances, and then if you still fail you will be fired".
You do not need to say what it IS, explain the PURPOSE.
We use End of Course Review instead of Quiz or Test. While students know they're being graded, the softer term reduces anxiety somehow. It's amazing the power that words carry - all the more reason to be aware of our verbiage in WBT courses.
I might become unpopular for this, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with the word assessment. The issue is not what word it's being used. If you change the word, they will wind up having the exact same anxiety over the new word, and you will continue on looking for yet another "non anxiety producing word".
You are right and popular! Selfishly though, I like my stuff to be off the beaten path. If everyone is using "assessment" then I'm going with "proof of attendance" or something like that. Especially for my own portfolio.
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I suppose they wouldn't like "test," either. How about "the challenge"? Or just introduce it without an official label, e.g., "To successfully complete thiscourse, you'll need to correctly answer at least # of the following ## questions."
BTW, I don't think "assessment" is that scary. And let's face it, you have to make it plain that they're being graded; that either will or will not cause anxiety. You can soften it by explaining up front what kind of feedback they'll get and how many times they can re-take the "challenge."
What about 'graduation'? OR 'knowledge checkup'?
Maybe 'Knowledge Check' or 'Checking for understanding'? Or does it even need to be called anything at all? You could simply say in the narration something along the lines of "...and now for a few questions" or something like that.
I typically use the term knowledge check when the quiz or exercise is not being graded so I would probably just go without a label in this case.
Although I must admit that it worries me that we have to start tippy-toeing around a word like "Assessment."
There's so many options... Take your pick! I think at the end of the day as long as you're consistent with your terminology, that is key.
Practical Evaluation, Knowledge Check,
I wouldn't say to the learner (however you communicate the message to the leaner - narration or text) that "you're going to be evaluated/assessed." On a side note, assessment is not the same thing as evaluation.
Can you soften the message by including in the message "if you don't pass the test the first time, keep trying until you do"?
I sometimes introduce it as "applying what you've learned".
What about "Show What you Know"?
"Time to apply" or "time to try"
I sometimes like to use "Celebration of Knowledge" :)
We normally use the term 'Activity' or group them as 'Activities'.
We sometimes call them Challanges (or Games if they are designed as one), or use - Self Assesment (when the score is more for them than for us or their managers).
You all are THE BEST. This is why I love this community. Thank you for all of the great ideas!
Thanks Laura for asking this. It was an interesting read. My favourites are: test and knowledge check!
We sometimes call it 'Progress Check'.
"We need to see that you can apply what you have learned here to your working environment, so here's some questions. The target is to get 80% correct, and if you don't you'll get another chance. You get two chances, and then if you still fail you will be fired".
You do not need to say what it IS, explain the PURPOSE.
That last bit may need some tweaking :)
We use Knowledge Check or Review depending up on the cirucumstances.
Knowledge Check is one I've used
We use End of Course Review instead of Quiz or Test. While students know they're being graded, the softer term reduces anxiety somehow. It's amazing the power that words carry - all the more reason to be aware of our verbiage in WBT courses.
Knowledge Check.
this one is great I loved check-up :)
If I take a written driving test it's not applying what I know.
I think evaluation is more like survey, they imply subjectivity.
I like show what you know, show your work, learning check.
I like to use knowledge check for pre-work
I like quiz but some executives want something between a quiz and an exam for "mid-level importance"
I might become unpopular for this, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with the word assessment. The issue is not what word it's being used. If you change the word, they will wind up having the exact same anxiety over the new word, and you will continue on looking for yet another "non anxiety producing word".
The issue to address is not the word to use.
You are right and popular! Selfishly though, I like my stuff to be off the beaten path. If everyone is using "assessment" then I'm going with "proof of attendance" or something like that. Especially for my own portfolio.
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