Assessment Design Checklist

This checklist outlines key strategies for designing inclusive assessments in Australian higher education to support neurodiverse and disabled students. It highlights the importance of offering flexible assessment formats, providing clear and accessible instructions, integrating assistive technologies, allowing extended time and flexible deadlines, developing inclusive assessment criteria, and delivering feedback in various formats. These practices aim to accommodate diverse learning needs and ensure equitable opportunities for all students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

    • Offer multiple assessment methods (e.g., written exams, oral presentations, practical tasks) to cater to diverse strengths.
    • Example: Allow students to choose between a written report, an oral presentation, or a video submission for a particular assignment.
    • Reference: Bunbury, S. (2020). Disability in Higher Education: Do Reasonable Adjustments Contribute to an Inclusive Curriculum? Journal of Inclusive Practice in Higher Education, 7(1), 56-72.

    • Provide clear, concise, and unambiguous instructions for assessments.
    • Example: Use bullet points and simple language to outline the steps required for completing an assignment. Ensure all instructions and materials are accessible (e.g., use of plain language, alternative text for images).
    • Reference: Cameron, H. et al. (2019).

    • Integrate assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers, speech-to-text software) into the assessment process.
    • Example: Ensure that online quizzes are compatible with screen readers and provide transcripts for audio/video materials.
    • Reference: Stentiford, L. & Koutsouris, G. (2021).

  • Offer extended time for assessments and flexible deadlines to accommodate students with various needs.

    Example: Allow students to request additional time for exams or extensions for assignment deadlines without penalisation.

    Reference: Tai, J. (2023).

    • Develop assessment criteria that recognise diverse ways of demonstrating knowledge and skills.
    • Example: Use rubrics that include multiple modes of expression, such as written text, oral presentations, or visual projects.
    • Reference: Bunbury, S. (2020).

    • Provide constructive and timely feedback in accessible formats.
    • Example: Offer feedback through written comments, audio recordings, or one-on-one meetings based on student preference.