suggest two alternate assessment strategies and providing a rationale for why these strategies might be valuable for student learning.
Looking at a class of 30 students in an Introduction to Psychology course I would consider an assessment strategy that is interactive, engaging, and manageable which will also guarantee an efficient grading method. It would be a face-to-face assessment strategy that meets the criteria given.
This Assessment Strategy will consist of Small Group Presentations (5–7 minutes per group)
The class would be divided into 6 groups of 5 students each. Each group is assigned a psychology topic (e.g., sensation and perception, learning and memory, classical conditioning, memory processes, stress and coping, major psychological theories, etc.). They will prepare and deliver a 5 -7-minute group presentation during class time. Each member must speak and contribute to the presentation.
This is effective because it creates an environment for: Active Learning: Students must understand and explain content, encouraging deep processing and critical thinking. Collaboration: Encourages communication and teamwork which are important soft skills. Public Speaking Practice: Builds presentation skills and confidence. Peer Learning: Students learn from each other, reinforcing their understanding of psychological concepts. And it is an efficient assessment: The presentations are assessed live in real time, avoiding after-hours grading.
Time Commitment Reflection:
Class Time for Presentations:
6 groups × 7 minutes = 42 minutes
Add -3 minutes transition/Q&A time between groups = 60 minutes
It can be done in one or two class sessions.
Grading Time:
You assess during the presentation using a simple rubric (e.g., content accuracy, clarity, group coordination, individual participation).
No more than 1–2 hours total to finalize grades, especially if using a checklist or scoring sheet during the presentations.
Prep Time for Students:
Most of the work is done outside class, which shifts the prep commitment from instructor to student.
Small group presentations are very impactful face-to-face assessments for an introductory psychology class. The assessment promotes deep understanding, requires student engagement, and is efficient for instructors, keeping grading well under five hours. This format is ideal for balancing meaningful assessment with time management.
