Page 52 - Undergraduate Handbook 2024-25

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purposes of assessments and target knowledge mastery Assessment Methods
as well as higher order thinking skills and abilities. In sum,
excellence in assessment is integral to achieving excellence Accurate and sound assessment requires that a variety
in teaching and learning, which is in harmony with ADU of appropriate assessment methods be used and aligned
vision and mission. with the intended learning outcomes. There are generally
two main assessment methods: traditional and alternative/
Definition authentic. The former includes tools such as paper-and-
pencil tests and exams while the latter includes tools similar
Assessment is the gathering of evidence of student to performance tasks, essays, presentations, projects,
learning and achievement to guide instructional decisions practical work, case studies, reports, portfolios. The choice
and aid student learning. among these tools depends on the discipline, the nature
Purposes of Assessment of the individual course as well as the intended learning
outcomes.
Assessment serves multiple purposes. It provides feedback
to the two main immediate users of assessment information The following are the assessment tools that ADU faculty
or results: students and faculty. members can choose from in assessing their student
performance and achievement:
• Students receive relevant feedback on their • Tests and exams
performance and how to improve it, and instructors
receive feedback on their strategies of instructional • Assignments/homework
delivery. Moreover, assessment results help students • Projects
to reflect on their learning experience, to adjust their
learning strategies and skills, and to identify where • Reports
they need help. • Presentations
• Faculty receive feedback which helps them to reflect • Essays
on their instructional strategies, to make necessary • Papers
adjustments, to track student progress, and to identify
which students need extra help. • Case studies
• Exhibitions
Assessment Types
• Portfolios
There are three major types of assessment: diagnostic,
summative and formative. • Self-assessment
• Capstone course or graduation project
• Diagnostic assessment is usually conducted at the
beginning of the semester and is used to identify student • Performance through observing and judging
strengths and weaknesses. It provides information that
can help both students and instructors to build on the Roles and Responsibilities
strengths and remedy the weaknesses. The task of achieving excellence in assessment requires
• Summative assessment, on the other hand, is usually collaboration among four parties: the Manager of the Center
carried out at the end of the semester and is used for Faculty Development, College Deans, Department
to determine the extent to which the students have Chairs/Program Directors, Faculty and Students.
achieved the course learning objectives or outcomes 1. The role of the Director of the Center for Faculty
(grading function). It helps instructors make decisions Development is to plan faculty development activities on
and judgments for purposes of student promotion and/or student assessment, such as workshops and seminars.
graduation. Final exams and projects, among other forms,
serve this purpose. 2. The role of the College Dean is:
• Formative assessment, in contrast to summative • to ensure that colleges have their own discipline-
assessment, is conducted throughout the semester and specific assessment guidelines and procedures
is used to enhance the learning and teaching process. that are consistent with ADU Student Assessment
Information provided by this ongoing assessment helps guidelines;
students improve their study skills, learning strategies and • to ensure that these guidelines and procedures are
achievement, thus support ongoing student progress, and
helps instructors diagnose and respond to student needs periodically reviewed; and
(development and improvement function). • to ensure that departments use assessment results
for program improvement.

Abu Dhabi University | Undergraduate Handbook 2024 - 2025