Assess THAT with Tom & Nat! (Assessment, Feedback, Grading, and Learning) 19 - Reimagining Final Exams
Sep 22, 2025
Conventional final exams often focus on memorization rather than genuine understanding. The hosts discuss transforming these assessments into engaging, meaningful experiences that reflect deep learning. They introduce key design principles like authenticity and choice, and share practical ideas for performance tasks. Listeners learn how to audit existing exams for effectiveness and align them with real-world application. This insightful discussion encourages educators to rethink assessment strategies and enhance student learning.
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Exams Should Show Recent, Authentic Learning
- Traditional final exams often measure memory and endurance rather than deep learning.
- Reimagined exams can provide authentic closure and recent evidence of student understanding.
Design Exams Around Real Problems
- Use authenticity: design exams around real-world problems, cases, or scenarios.
- Combine transfer, choice, integration, and equity to test applied competence.
Michigan State Scholarship Problem Task
- Tom recounts a scholarship process where applicants solved a problem collaboratively while adjudicators observed.
- The exercise assessed teamwork and problem solving instead of rote answers.
