Each assessment asks learners to perform what the objective states, not to recall a fact that sits next to it.
Why it matters
Recall questions are the easiest to write, so they creep in even when the objective is a skill.
A learner can ace a quiz about a procedure and still be unable to carry it out.
What passing looks like
- A skill objective is checked by doing the skill: a scenario, a task, a simulation, or a work product.
- Learners get the kind of information they would have on the job.
- Getting the answer right takes the skill, not just recognizing the right term.
Example
Objective: Calculate the correct dose from a weight-based order. Question: Weight-based doses are written in which unit? a) mg/kg b) mL c) units d) mcg
The problem: Knowing the unit isn’t the same as doing the calculation.
A 22 kg child is ordered 15 mg/kg of a drug supplied as 250 mg per 5 mL. How many mL do you give? (Answer: 6.6 mL)
What Pedagrade can’t tell
Some skills can only be fully assessed by watching someone do them. Pedagrade can tell you a written item stops short of the objective, but not how a live observation went.
This check is covered by Pedagrade’s published accuracy tests. See the accuracy report.
Learn more
- Robert Mager, Preparing Instructional Objectives
- John Biggs and Catherine Tang, Teaching for Quality Learning at University (constructive alignment)
- Pedagrade guide: How to align learning objectives and assessments
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