10 Tips for Creating Assessments That Actually Measure Learning

Creating assessments isn’t just about testing what students remember. It’s about helping them grow, think deeper, and apply what they’ve learned in real life. In this blog, we’ll share 5 powerful tips that can completely change the way you assess learning — and if you want the rest, we’ve got that too.

Let’s get started:

1. Start with Clear, Measurable Learning Objectives
   Before you write a single question, think about what the learner should be able to do by the end of the lesson or course. Clear objectives serve as the foundation for both teaching and assessment. If your goal is unclear, your test might not reflect what was taught or could miss key skills. The best objectives are action-oriented, specific, and measurable. Instead of saying “Understand ecosystems,” a better objective would be “Compare different types of ecosystems and describe how they support life.” Once you have these clear goals, your assessments will naturally align with what learners need to achieve.

2. Choose the Right Assessment Type for the Learning Goal
   Not all assessments are created equal. The type you use should reflect the kind of learning you’re trying to measure. If you’re checking progress during a course, you might use quick quizzes or discussions — these are formative assessments. To evaluate learning at the end of a unit, summative tools like exams or final projects work well. If you want to see how learners perform in real situations, ask them to complete tasks like presentations or problem-solving — this is performance-based assessment. Self and peer assessments are also valuable when learners evaluate their own or others’ work. Choosing the right type of assessment ensures you’re capturing learning in the most effective way.

3. Use Bloom’s Taxonomy to Go Beyond Memorization
   Bloom’s Taxonomy is a framework that helps you design assessments to test different levels of thinking. It starts with simple recall and builds up to complex tasks like evaluating or creating. The six levels include remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating. For example, a basic question might ask students to list facts, while a deeper one might require them to compare ideas or design a solution. Good assessments should include a variety of these levels to get a full picture of what students know and how they think. This way, you’re not just checking memory — you’re measuring real learning.

4. Write Clear, Simple Questions
   Even if your content is solid, poorly written questions can confuse learners and affect their performance. That’s why clarity is key. Use short, straightforward sentences and avoid technical terms that haven’t been explained. Stay away from trick questions and vague answer options like “All of the above” or “None of the above,” which often create more confusion than insight. If there’s any terminology that might be unfamiliar, define it clearly in the question. When your questions are easy to read and understand, learners can focus on showing what they know rather than decoding confusing language.

5. Make It Relevant to Real Life
   Assessments become more meaningful when learners can connect them to real-world situations. If a student can see how a task applies outside the classroom, they’re more likely to engage and do well. You can do this by using practical scenarios, solving everyday problems, or linking questions to real careers or current events. For instance, instead of asking learners to list the features of persuasive writing, have them write a letter convincing the school to offer healthier lunch options. This approach not only tests understanding but also builds practical skills that students can use in real life.

Read the full article to Master All 10 Tips for More Engaging Assessments!