Criteria 3: Multiple Submission Formats and Means of Engagement

This element refers to the structure, format, and requirements of the tasks that students are asked to complete to demonstrate their learning. Effective and inclusive task design ensures that assessments are aligned with learning objectives, fair, and capable of accurately measuring student knowledge and skills. Inclusive assessment tasks also incorporate a mix of assessment tasks, such as essays, problem sets, and dissertations. This variety ensures that students with different strengths and preferences can demonstrate their learning effectively.


UDL Principles

  • Engagement: Diverse and authentic tasks increase student interest and motivation.
  • Representation: Clear instructions and varied formats ensure all students understand and can access the tasks.
  • Action & Expression: Providing multiple ways to complete tasks allows all students to express their knowledge and skills.

  • This example highlights how an assessment can be adapted to provide equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their personal circumstances or technical skills. By offering multiple submission formats—oral presentations, written reports, or video presentations—the revised task accommodates diverse learning preferences and personal needs. Additionally, clear instructions for accessing support ensure inclusivity and accessibility for students requiring accommodations, promoting an equitable learning environment.

    Considerations

    Do all students have equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their personal circumstances, disadvantages or technical skills?

    Additional Considerations:

    Can you provide additional support for assignment submission where needed? Can students choose between written reports, digital presentations, or oral presentations for certain assignments?

    Original Assessment Task: Design Proposal Presentation

    Assignment Name: Urban Planning Policy Analysis

    Task Description: Students are required to present their design proposals in a 15-minute oral presentation during class time. Presentations must include visual aids such as slides or physical models.

    Issues:  

    • The assessment format (oral presentation)   may disadvantage students with communication apprehension, social anxiety, or language barriers.
    • Limited flexibility in assessment format may not accommodate diverse learning preferences or personal circumstances.
    • Lack of alternative submission options or additional support may hinder students who require accommodations due to disabilities or personal circumstances.

    Revised Assessment Task: Design Proposal and Presentation

    Task Description: Students have the option to choose one of the following formats for their design proposal submission:

    • Oral Presentation: A 15-minute oral presentation during class time.
    • Written Report: A written report detailing the design proposal, including sketches, diagrams, and explanations (maximum of 2000 words).
    • Video Presentation: A pre-recorded video presentation of the design proposal (maximum 15 minutes).
    • Students requiring additional support or accommodations (e.g., extra time, alternative formats) should contact the course coordinator to discuss their needs confidentially.

    Revised Learning Outcomes:  

    • Develop a comprehensive design proposal demonstrating an understanding of architectural principles.
    • Effectively communicate design concepts and ideas through chosen format.
    • Adapt communication style and format to diverse audiences and contexts.

    Revised Assessment Criteria:  

    • Design concept and innovation (30%): Originality and creativity of the design proposal.
    • Technical proficiency (30%): Demonstration of architectural principles and technical skills.
    • Communication effectiveness (20%): Clarity and coherence of presentation or written report.
    • Adaptability and inclusivity (20%): Ability to adapt communication format to diverse needs and circumstances.

    Improvements:

    • Increased flexibility in assessment format accommodates diverse learning preferences and personal circumstances.
    • Alternative submission options ensure that all students, including those with communication barriers or disabilities, have equal opportunities to demonstrate their understanding.
    • Clear instructions for seeking additional support promote inclusivity and accessibility for students who require accommodations.

  • This example demonstrates how an assessment can be adjusted to cater to diverse learning preferences and needs by offering flexible assessment formats. Students are given the option to choose between various formats, such as written essays, oral presentations, video documentaries, or creative projects. This approach promotes inclusivity, enhances student engagement, and allows for diverse forms of expression. Additionally, clear guidelines and adapted rubrics ensure consistency and fairness in grading across different formats, supporting better learning outcomes for all students.

    Considerations

    Are different assessment methods provided to cater to diverse learning preferences and needs?

    Additional Considerations:

    Are there multiple ways for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills? Can students choose between different types of assessment tasks?

    Assignment Before Editing:

    Assignment Name: Urban Planning Policy Analysis

    Description: Students are required to submit a written essay analysing a specific urban planning policy, including its impacts, challenges, and potential improvements.Timing and Percentage: Week 1 to Week 6, worth 50% of final grade.

    Issues:

    1. Lack of Flexibility in Assessment Format: The current assessment format is limited to written essays, which may not suit all students’ strengths or learning styles.
    2. Limited Opportunities for Diverse Expression: Students who excel in other forms of communication, such as presentations or creative projects, do not have the opportunity to demonstrate their learning in a way that aligns with their strengths.
    3. Potential for Reduced Engagement:

    The lack of variety in assessment formats may reduce student engagement and motivation, particularly for those who struggle with essay writing.

    Assignment After Editing:

    Assignment Name: Urban Planning Policy Analysis

    Description: Students are given the option to choose from a variety of assessment formats to analyse a specific urban planning policy. Options include a written essay, an oral presentation, a video documentary, or a creative project (e.g., a policy infographic or a podcast). Timing and Percentage: Week 1 to Week 6, worth 50% of the final grade

    Changes Implemented:

    1. Flexible Assessment Formats: Students can choose from multiple formats to demonstrate their understanding of the urban planning policy, including written essays, oral presentations, video documentaries, or creative projects.
    2. Clear Guidelines for Each Format: Detailed guidelines and criteria are provided for each assessment format, ensuring that students understand the expectations and standards for their chosen method of expression.
    3. Support and Resources: Resources and support are made available to help students succeed in their chosen format. This includes workshops on presentation skills, video production, and creative project development.
    4. Rubric Adaptation: The assessment rubric is adapted to include specific criteria for each format, ensuring consistency in grading and clarity in expectations.

    Improvements:

    1. Increased Flexibility and Inclusivity: By offering a variety of assessment formats, the task accommodates diverse learning styles and strengths, making the assessment more inclusive.
    2. Enhanced Student Engagement: Allowing students to choose their preferred format can increase engagement and motivation, as they can leverage their strengths and interests.
    3. Opportunity for Diverse Expression: Students have the opportunity to demonstrate their learning in various ways, whether through writing, speaking, visual media, or creative projects, fostering a richer learning experience.
    4. Consistency and Fairness in Grading: The adapted rubric ensures that all formats are graded fairly and consistently, with clear criteria for each type of assessment.
    5. Improved Learning Outcomes: Providing multiple ways for students to demonstrate their understanding can lead to deeper learning and better retention of course material, as students engage with the content in a manner that suits them best.