Each stated objective is checked by at least one question or task, and each question or task checks a stated objective.
Why it matters
An objective nobody assesses is a promise the course never confirms. Learners may or may not be able to do it, and nobody finds out.
A question tied to no objective is the opposite problem. It grades learners on something the course never said mattered, and it is usually a fact that was easy to test rather than the skill the course is for.
What passing looks like
- Every objective has at least one quiz question, task, or graded activity that checks it.
- Every assessment item traces back to a stated objective.
- The match is real: the item checks the objective’s skill, not a fact that happens to sit nearby.
- Objectives added late in the build show up in the assessment too.
Example
Objectives: 1. Identify the warning signs of a phishing email. 2. Report a suspicious email using the Report button. Quiz: Q1. Which of these is a sign of phishing? Q2. In what year did the company adopt its email policy?
The problem: Objective 2 is never assessed, and Q2 checks no objective.
Replace Q2 with: “You receive the email below. List the steps you would take to report it.” Now each objective has a question, and each question has an objective.
What Pedagrade can’t tell
Pedagrade checks the objectives and assessments you give it. If the final exam lives in another file, add it, or an objective can look unassessed when it isn’t.
This check is covered by Pedagrade’s published accuracy tests. See the accuracy report.
Learn more
- John Biggs and Catherine Tang, Teaching for Quality Learning at University (constructive alignment)
- Pedagrade guide: How to align learning objectives and assessments
Check your own course against this.
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