Assessment in Large Classes

Large classes pose a challenge for instructors who need to assess a large number of students in an efficient way.

Assessment Strategies

The following assessment strategies may be particularly useful with a large class:

A ConcepTest is a technique used often in a lecture setting. The instructor presents one or more questions during class along with several possible answers. Students in the class indicate which answer they think is correct.
Information about multiple-choice exams from the exams page may be particularly useful for large classes.
Scoring Rubrics can be an effective way to assess large numbers of essays or other written projects.
Minute Paper (more info) maybe useful for large classes to see if the material presented was comprehended. The students (individually or in groups) write a concise note (taking one minute), that focuses on a short question presented by the instructor to the class.
Using technology can assist with assessments of large classes. This page contains examples of how geoscience instructors have used technology in large classes.