Robust Assessments

Create and Design

When assessing students at a distance, you have options. Consider the following when designing tests and discuss any concerns with ODL Instructional Development Faculty.

Online Assignments for Assessing Student Learning. Assessment strategies that can serve as an alternative to proctored testing.

Ensuring Test Integrity and Security. Guidelines on selecting high and low stakes tests, development considerations, availability and time constraints, location selection, online testing issues, security measures and proctor requirements.

Online Proctoring Guide for Honorlock Exams. How to use FSU's online proctored testing service when alternative assessment strategies aren't feasible. 

Writing Multiple Choice Items. Thirteen simple tips for planning the item, writing the stem and creating response options for stellar multiple choice exams.

Using Rubrics. How rubrics can help clarify expectations for student assignments other than tests.

Promote Academic Integrity

Help ensure academic integrity with the following resources:

Include plagiarism statements in syllabi and assignments with:

• a reminder about the FSU Academic Honor Policy,
• a description of how students' papers will be submitted, and
• a description of how your department investigates plagiarism and consequences of violations.

Design student assignments that reduce opportunities for plagiarism and educate students about intellectual property.

• See Plagiarism Exercises from the FSU English Department to help educate students.
• See the section "What to Do If You Suspect Plagiarism" from the Florida State University's Teacher's Guide published by the Department of English.
• Review ODL's Plagiarism Prevention Guidelines for Educators.
• For LibGuides on plagiarism, see FSU Libraries and the FSU College of Law Research Center.

Detect text matches in student work.

FSU provides instructors with the use of Turnitin, an external tool for detecting matches in student work that integrates with Canvas. Turnitin checks student submissions against a large domain of materials and can be accessed from within your Canvas course site, where students will also submit their papers. After the papers are reviewed for originality, you (and your students, should you choose) can view the reports. This tool helps instructors create a culture of adherence to the University's standards for intellectual honesty. For more about the technical aspects of using Turnitin, see our FSU Canvas Support Center articles.

For more information on creating tests and assessments:
See Chapter 12: Testing and Assessment Issues of the handbook Instruction at FSU: A Guide to Teaching & Learning Practices. You find step-by-step guidelines for creating your tests and advice on frequency and timing for best results. The chapter also defines assessment types and provides advice for helping students learn from tests. 

For assistance regarding the Academic Honor Policy, contact the Office of Faculty Development and Advancement.