By: Martha Diede, Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, Syracuse University
As we come into finals week, keep in mind that you do not need to have a final exam if your students can demonstrate they have met your course outcomes in other ways. In fact, your students might be able to suggest other ways that they can show you that they have met the course outcomes. These suggestions might take advantage of new technologies or use existing technologies in new ways. However you construct your end-of-course assessments, be sure to include three clear parts: purpose (why?), task (what you want them to do) and criteria (what you will evaluate to determine whether the student passed or earned a specific letter grade).
Below are some possible ideas for assignments to replace a final exam:
- A single slide, formatted like an academic poster, that summarizes the information from the course.
- A brief video in which students explain the course concepts.
- A brief video in which students use the course concepts/learning to suggest a solution to a contemporary problem.
- A concept map showing how the course content from the semester connects.
- A problem to solve that requires the use of knowledge and skills included in your course outcomes.
Please also keep in mind that online visual and auditory tasks are especially challenging for students who have visual and hearing exceptionalities. Consider contacting the Office of Disability Services to ensure you support all of your students.
If you do opt for a test, remind students that taking a test by mobile phone might not be the best option. Also encourage students who have sub-optimal internet access to communicate with you regarding course completion.
In challenging circumstances, allowing some flexibility in demonstrating course outcomes can help all of the students in your class.