Assessing achievement of aims and objectives
In the same way that it is important to chose appropriate teaching techniques, it is also vital to ensure the assessment actually measures the learning outcome. If we consider our earlier example of a student learning to be able to competently take a blood pressure, there is no point in setting an essay on the correct way to take blood pressure, as we will still not know if the student can actually perform the task after the assessment.
Below are some suggestions for assessment types that can be used to ensure a match between assessment and learning outcome.
| Cognitive (knowledge) | Affective (attitudes) | Psychomotor (skills) |
| Written tests including multiple choice questions, short essay questions, best answer questions, essays |
Written and oral feedback from tutor, peers and possibly patients on individuals contribution to class debates, online chat, reflective diaries, role play, patient consultations Essay |
OSCEs, work based assessment including Mini CEX, DOPS, case based discussion Feedback on simulation from tutor, peers, simulated patients |
University of Leeds, School of Medicine
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