Design assignments around real-life scenarios and embrace diverse submission formats

What?

Summary of guideline

To maximise accessibility and inclusivity in online course assessments, instructors should design assignments that cater to diverse learner needs and preferences. One key strategy is to create assignments based on real-life scenarios, which helps students apply their learning in meaningful and practical contexts, making the material more relevant to their lives.

Why?

Embracing diverse submission formats allows students to choose how they demonstrate their understanding, whether through written reports, videos, presentations, or creative projects. This flexibility supports different communication styles and learning preferences, ensuring that all students can express their knowledge effectively.

Personalised Experience
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Choice & Autonomy

Students feel empowered when they can choose how to demonstrate their learning, leading to increased motivation and engagement.

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Tailored Support

Instructors can provide targeted feedback based on the chosen method of expression, addressing specific needs and helping students improve their skills.

Development of Diverse Skills
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Critical Thinking

Real-life scenarios require students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts, enhancing their analytical and problem-solving abilities.

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Communication Skills

By expressing their understanding through different formats, students develop a range of communication skills essential for professional success.

Increased Inclusivity
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Equitable Participation

Multiple means of action and expression ensure that all students, regardless of their abilities or preferences, have an equal opportunity to succeed.

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Cultural Diversity

By allowing students to incorporate their cultural perspectives into assignments, the course becomes more inclusive and reflective of a diverse student body.

How?

When implementing guidelines to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in online assessments, consider the following strategies to navigate potential challenges effectively:

  1. Start Small and Scale Gradually: Begin by incorporating a few diverse assignment options or real-life scenarios into your assessments. As you become more comfortable and gather feedback, gradually expand these offerings to cover more course content.
  2. Develop Clear and Consistent Rubrics: Create detailed grading rubrics that apply across various submission formats. This ensures fairness and clarity in assessment, helping students understand expectations regardless of how they choose to present their work.
  3. Leverage Available Technology: Utilise accessible and widely available tools to accommodate different submission formats. Platforms like Learning Management Systems (LMS) often have built-in features that support varied assignment types. Familiarise yourself with these tools to streamline the process for both you and your students.
  4. Provide Structured Choices: While offering multiple options is beneficial, too many choices can be overwhelming. Limit the number of submission formats to a manageable few and provide guidelines or examples for each to help students make informed decisions.
  5. Integrate Support for Executive Functions: Incorporate tools like checklists, timelines, and planning worksheets directly into assignment instructions. This not only aids students in managing their tasks but also normalises the use of organisational aids.
  6. Solicit and Act on Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from your students about the effectiveness and accessibility of assessments. Use this information to make iterative improvements, ensuring that your assessments remain responsive to diverse learner needs.
Practical Examples

Implementing multiple means of representation in an online course can greatly enhance student engagement and learning. Here’s how it can be applied effectively:

Below are some examples of how this could be implemented for a case study analysis.

  • Written Report: Students analyse a financial crisis and submit a detailed written report on its causes and consequences.
  • Video Presentation: Alternatively, students create a video presentation summarising their findings and recommendations.
  • Interactive Infographic: For those who prefer visual expression, creating an infographic that illustrates the key points of the case study can be an option.

Below are some examples of how this could be implemented for a market simulation assignment

  • Trading Simulation: Students participate in a virtual stock trading simulation and submit their trading strategies and outcomes in a format of their choice.
  • Reflective Journal: Students could keep a journal reflecting on their decisions and learning experiences throughout the simulation.
  • Group Discussion: Students discuss their strategies and results in a group setting, either through live video sessions or discussion forums, allowing for collaborative learning and peer feedback.

Below are some examples of how this could be implemented for a case study video on financial crisis

  • Spreadsheet Analysis: Students create a detailed financial plan using spreadsheet software, showcasing their ability to use financial tools and interpret data.
  • Written Plan: Another option is to write a comprehensive financial plan that includes analysis, goals, and recommendations.
  • Multimedia Presentation: For those inclined towards creative expression, a multimedia presentation combining text, visuals, and audio to present the financial plan could be an option.

Challenges?

Implementing a design guideline that promotes varied submission formats and incorporates real-life scenarios in assignments poses several challenges. While these approaches can greatly enhance accessibility and inclusivity, they also introduce complexities that educators and institutions must carefully navigate.

  • Resource and Time Constraints
  • Ensuring Consistent Standards
  • Technical Limitations
  • Balancing Flexibility with Structure
  • Supporting Executive Functions
  • Accessibility Across Diverse Learner Needs