Unlock Potential, Measure Success: Nurturing Talent Through Insightful Assessments

Intro Summary

Gagne’s eighth event of instruction, the ROPES learning model, and several other theories have put great emphasis on assessments. They help chart success, elevate learning, and illuminate growth. In this article, we will explore the importance of knowledge checks and how to create effective assessments as part of eLearning solutions.

Introduction

The whole aim of a learning process is to help the learner move from Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) to Zone of Achieved Development (ZAD). Most of us are aware of these terms from Lev Vygotsky's theory of learning and development. From unknowing to known, the distance between the current developmental level and potential development can be covered through guidance as per Lev Vygotsky’s theory.

But how do we know that this distance has been traversed by the learner?

The answer is performance assessment.

Types of Assessments

Broadly, assessments in eLearning are as follows:
• Formative assessments
• Summative assessments
• Pre-assessments

Formative assessments measure the learners’ understanding and progress during the learning process. Summative assessments assess the learner’s knowledge acquired towards the end of a course or unit of study.

Pre-assessments determine the learner’s current knowledge set which then be connected to new information presented during the learning process.

But then, what would be the starting point of the zone of proximal development? How do we know what the learner already knows and needs to be trained in? This is where pre-assessments come in.

Their current knowledge set is assessed, and then the stimulus of new information is presented by intelligently connecting the dots between known information and what is being presented.

Assessments That Illuminate, Inspire, and Empower

Here are tips for creating effective assessments in eLearning.

Learning Objectives

Connect the assessments to the learning objectives of the eLearning course. Derive the learning objectives based on the pre-assessments and the content that is to be taught to the employees, customers, and other stakeholders.

Learning Style

The VARK model can be reflected in assessments too, such as image-based ‘match the following’ (visual) and filling out risk assessment forms or SOPs (kinetic) based on a scenario.

Kinetics can be taken a little further. If there is the use of virtual reality, then learners can be tested to place the right product on the shelves, as part of visual merchandising, or even assemble parts. Voiceovers can also be added to assessments for learners who prefer audio-based learning.

The scenarios can be presented in text, audio, or video form.

Gamified Assessments

Well! Assessments need not be tedious. It is a part of any learning journey. Most game shows test the participant’s knowledge, and they have a huge audience waiting eagerly to watch these game shows.

In eLearning, there is always a provision for gamified assessments. Templates like spin-the-wheel, jeopardy, board games, find a word, swipe, drag and drop to baskets, sports, etc. can be used.

Are you ready for your own game show?

Remediation

There is no failure. You only fail when you stop trying. An effective eLearning course allows for remediation, where a learner can revisit the content pertaining to the question to understand the concept and then apply the learning to pass the quiz. Practice is the key.

The number of attempts can be defined, and the progress can be locked to prevent the learner from proceeding until the correct answer is submitted.

Learning Path

An efficient eLearning course creates customized pathways for the learner to chart a success story and accelerate learning outcomes. In addition to courses, meetings, resources, and classrooms, assessments can be added to the learning pathways at regular intervals. KREDO LMS learning pathway can be dotted with virtual meetings, classrooms, surveys, catalogs, resources, assignments, and external content.

Test on Applicability and not Memory

An insightful assessment series does not test the learners merely on facts. The test is done to assess if the employee can perform the task and whether the aim of reducing the skills gap is achieved.

Culmination

Choosing the right learning partner is the key to transforming your learning environment.

The courses and assessments can also be created in our fast-paced LMS/LXP KREDO and the new-age authoring tool Prodient.io.

KREDO Classroom allows you to create pre-assessments, and all assessments can be added to the learning pathways.

To know how our award-winning services, learning platform, and authoring tool can give an edge to your corporate training programs, contact us or write to us at <suresh@tesseractlearning.com>