Think UDL Conversational Quizzes with Meghan Donnelly
Nov 10, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Meghan Donnelly, an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Austin College, shares her innovative use of conversational quizzes to enhance student learning. She discusses how these low-stakes assessments improve classroom dynamics and showcase students’ diverse strengths. Meghan also reveals practical tips for simplifying assignment instructions using the Hemingway App and highlights the benefits of integrating oral assessments alongside traditional formats. Her insights offer creative solutions for fostering inclusive classroom environments.
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Simplify Instructions With Readability Tools
- Use tools like Hemingwayapp.com to simplify assignment and activity instructions for students.
- Shorten long sentences and remove weak words to make directions clearer and more accessible.
Offer Conversational Oral Quizzes
- Offer alternative quiz formats like recorded conversational responses to let students demonstrate knowledge orally.
- Allow pairs to record 2–4 minute dialogues using phones or laptops for low‑stakes assessment.
Pilot Of Pair Recordings In A 30‑Student Class
- Meghan piloted conversational quizzes with a 30‑student class divided into pairs and collected 15 audio files.
- She initially used AirDrop for Apple devices and Google Drive for others, then accepted email/share methods for submissions.