Provide a Variety of Ways for Students to Demonstrate Knowledge

ust as no single mode of presentation suits all learners, neither does one single mode for demonstrating knowledge. Providing students with choices in demonstration of knowledge, such as allowing students to choose between writing a paper, presenting a speech, or conducting a multimedia project allows students to show what they know in a manner that works for them and does not conflict with your course’s essential components.

Courses that employ Universal Instructional Design will logically look for ways to use multiple, varied, and broadly accessible approaches to testing and other modes of assessing learning. Here are some ideas to get you thinking about your methods of testing or evaluation:

What modes of testing or evaluation do you prefer? In which courses? Why?

What modes of testing do others in your field employ? Under what conditions would you consider employing them?

What modes of testing or evaluation would you employ under ideal conditions?

How do you and your colleagues determine the most appropriate modes of testing or evaluation in your field?