Designing Learner-Centered Assessments

Throughout this course, we have looked at ways to make assessment more learner-centered. When assessment is learner-centered, it engages students in examining their own learning. Learner-centered assessment utilizes authentic assessments, self-assessment, and self-reflection in cooperative, collaborative, supportive environments. Learner-centered assessment is also reliant on immediate, descriptive feedback from the teacher or facilitator.
This modules presentations suggested the best way to learn more about learner-centered assessment is to pilot such a test or exam using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle (LaLopa, 2003).
In the Module 4 Application, you will create a presentation for a group of colleagues to illustrate your knowledge and understanding of the PDSA cycle. You will also create a learner-centered assessment and share that assessment in your presentation as an example of the PDSA cycle. Suggestions for an assessment include peer tutoring, editing, or assessing; oral presentations; journal writing; self-assessment; or a reflection paper. You may use one of these or your own idea.
Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA)
In this Application, you will use the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle developed by management expert W. Edwards Deming to develop a learner-centered assessment. 
PLAN:

State your objective for the assessment.
From the presentations, readings, and outside resources, define the criteria for the learner-centered assessment you are designing.
Describe the students who will serve as your pilot group. Provide group size, grade level, and demographic data.
Predict how your assessment will impact learners and the learning process.
How will you carry out the cycle? (Who? What? When? Where?)
How do you plan to collect data?

DO:

Develop the learner-centered assessment. Describe the development process. Include the assessment in your presentation.

STUDY:

How will you analyze data?
How will you know if the assessment provides the intended benefits for students?
How will you intervene if students do not achieve the intended results?

ACT:

What would cause you to revise the assessment?
How could you use the assessment in the next cycle?

Compile your information into a presentation designed for a group of colleagues. Use a presentation format of your choice that includes audio. Include an introduction, a conclusion, and in-text citations and references in APA format. In the presentation, you should illustrate your knowledge and understanding of the PDSA cycle and share your example assessment.