Student Evaluation and Testing Methods
ASU is committed to ensuring the most appropriate evaluation procedures are used to allow students to demonstrate their mastery of the academic content. As ASU course and programs are diverse, the types of evaluation are similarly diverse. ASU regularly reviews its evaluation procedures to ensure their effectiveness. A student's assessment at the conclusion of each course is reviewed to ensure a continuing attention to students' concerns about the appropriateness and impartiality of evaluation methods. ASU has an established process for students who wish to appeal their grade.
Many of the evaluation procedures in ASU's courses provide new learning experiences that help to integrate students' new knowledge with their work experience (e.g., writing computer code for a civic organization, developing organizational plans, developing a heath assessment procedure, etc.). Applying knowledge in this way contributes to the development of students' professional and civic lives and improves workplace practice. Such assignments are assessed by the professor with feedback provided to the student as a mechanism for further learning.
Course evaluation procedures vary by course. Students are evaluated in one or all of the methods shown below.
- Participation
Students are required to participate in activity sessions and/or group discussions in many online activities. Regular presence and active involvement is essential for both individual learning and the learning of other class members.
- Reflective Journal
Journal assignments require students to submit written reflections to the faculty during the course to reflect on the content of the readings, class discussions, and activities, and relate what they learn to their professional situation. The journals are for each student's personal growth and will not be shared. Each submission will be given a mark. The marks will be averaged and will count for a specified percentage of the final grade.
- Synthesis of Required Readings: Research Paper
Some courses will require final papers. The final paper builds on prior learning, research and reflection. The paper should show evidence of appropriate academic writing style and should conform to the guidelines of The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th ed.
- Exams
Exam are a formal knowledge-based evaluation methodology. If required, final exams will be scheduled to occur three to four days following the end of the course. All exams are to be completed in a specified time. Some exams are "open book," while others are "proctored," (taken in the presence of someone who verifies a student's identity). For more detailed information regarding proctored exams, see "Proctored Examinations".
- Progress Tests
Some courses provide embedded tests, known as Progress Tests, developed by faculty to provide students with an opportunity on their own to demonstrate their command of certain content and receive rapid feedback.
- Written Computer Code/Program Assignments
Many ASU courses in technology areas require students to demonstrate their understanding of technological ideas by writing computer code or programs. Such assignments are sometimes referred to as "lab reports" and are carefully evaluated by faculty to determine students' understanding or the concepts and the efficacy of the code or program.
- Clinical Practice Assignments
In many of the ASU healthcare programs, students complete a clinical assignment or practicum. The expected results of the clinical assignment are agreed to prior to the beginning of the course and are reviewed by the faculty supervisor, often with important input from the organization for whom the assignment is undertaken.
- Peer Evaluation: Group Assignments
Occasionally, students work in groups on special projects. The peer evaluation process requires peers to assign marks in addition to providing feedback on group assignments. Current research reveals that initially students find it difficult to switch roles, but find it helpful in that it increases the awareness of their own performance. Peer evaluations also serve to increase motivation and enhance the learning process.
- Program Evaluation
Students' progress through a degree program is monitored to ensure that overall degree program objectives are being met. ASU has established a set of program objectives, required and elective courses, prerequisites and suggested program tracks and suggested career ladders to ensure students meet both program and overall course objectives. Faculty regularly review students' individual and collective progress to ensure timely adjustments are undertaken to maintain high academic and professional standards.
- General Education
In addition to specific student academic achievements evaluated at the individual course and program level, ASU faculty are committed to ensuring students achieve a quality "general education," that ensures enhanced skills and abilities that prepare the student for leadership roles in their professional civic lives. As such, the ASU faculty have adopted the following list of "general education" requirements which are embedded in and evaluated throughout the curriculum:- Interpersonal communication
- Critical/creative thinking
- Ethical insight
- Global awareness
- Information fluency
- Numerical Reasoning
