Exemplars of Inclusive Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task: Site Analysis Report

Before:

Instructions: A dense, multi-page document with detailed technical jargon.

Criteria: Vaguely outlined expectations with no specific grading rubric.

After:

Instructions: A clear, one-page document with bullet points outlining each step of the site analysis process. Includes a flowchart to illustrate the process.

Criteria: A detailed grading rubric provided at the start of the course, specifying the criteria for evaluation (e.g., thoroughness of site analysis, clarity of presentation, and application of theoretical concepts).

Example Assessment Task.

Site Analysis Report Instructions

Objective: Conduct a comprehensive site analysis for the proposed building project.

Steps:

1. Site Visit: Conduct a site visit and take photographs.
2. Environmental Factors: Analyse environmental factors (e.g., sun path, wind direction).
3. Zoning and Regulations: Research local zoning laws and building regulations.
4. Site Context: Examine the site’s context, including surrounding buildings and infrastructure.
5. Report Writing: Compile your findings into a structured report with sections for each analysis aspect.

Submission: Submit a 10-page report with visual aids (e.g., photographs, diagrams).

References: Tai, J. (2023); Biggs & Tang (2011); Morgan & Houghton (2011)

Assessment Task: Sustainable Building Design Project

Before:

Task: Required a written report and technical drawings, potentially disadvantaging students less proficient in writing or drawing.

After:

Task: Allows students to choose between a written report, an oral presentation, or a video walkthrough of their design. Includes guidelines to ensure cultural sensitivity and fairness.

Example  Assessment Task

Sustainable Building Design Project Instructions

Objective: Design a sustainable building for an urban area.

Submission Options:

1. Written Report: A 15-page report with technical drawings.
2. Oral Presentation: A 20-minute presentation with supporting slides.
3. Video Walkthrough: A 10-minute video explaining the design concept and features.

Guidelines:

• Ensure your design considers cultural and community context.
• Use inclusive language and avoid cultural stereotypes.

Example Holistic Grading Rubric:

References: Bunbury, S. (2020); Hollinsworth (2013); Bennett & Maton (2010)

Assessment Task: Online Quiz on Construction Materials

Before:

Task: An online quiz not compatible with screen readers.

After:

Task: An online quiz compatible with screen readers, providing alternative text for images and allowing multiple formats for answering (e.g., text, audio).

Construction Materials Online Quiz Instructions

Objective: Test knowledge of various construction materials and their properties.

Quiz Format:

• Multiple-choice questions with alternative text for images.
• Short-answer questions that can be answered in text or audio format.
• Accessibility features compatible with screen readers.

Submission: Complete the quiz on the learning management system (LMS) within the allocated time.

References: Stentiford, L. & Koutsouris, G. (2021); Rose & Meyer (2002); Burgstahler (2020)

Assessment Task: Construction Project Report

Before:

Task: A detailed written report summarising the project’s technical aspects without explicitly linking to the learning outcomes.

After:

Task: Includes specific criteria that directly reflect the course's intended learning outcomes, such as demonstrating understanding of sustainable building practices, applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, and aligning the assessment tasks with lectures and tutorials.

Construction Project Report Instructions

Objective: Demonstrate understanding of sustainable building practices and application of theoretical knowledge to a practical construction project.

Steps:

1. Introduction: Briefly describe the project and its objectives.
2. Sustainable Practices: Explain the sustainable practices incorporated into the design.
3. Application of Theory: Discuss how theoretical knowledge was applied in practical scenarios.
4. Conclusion: Summarise the project outcomes and reflect on learning.

Submission: Submit a 20-page report.

Example Holistic Rubric:

References: Anderson & Krathwohl (2001); Hattie (2009); Tai, J. (2023)

Assessment Task: Studio Project Review

Before:

Task: Written feedback provided weeks after submission, with generic comments that did not offer actionable advice.

After:

Task: Timely feedback provided within a week of submission through audio recordings and one-on-one feedback sessions, offering specific, actionable advice that students can apply to future work.

Studio Project Review Instructions

Objective: Provide constructive feedback on studio projects to help students improve.

Feedback Format:

• Written Comments: Specific and detailed feedback on each aspect of the project.
• Audio Recordings: Personalised audio feedback discussing strengths and areas for improvement.
• One-on-One Sessions: Scheduled feedback sessions to discuss the project and answer any questions.

Submission: Students submit projects by the end of the semester, and feedback is provided within one week.

References: Hattie & Timperley (2007); Sadler (1989); Cameron, H. et al. (2019)