The most important consideration is alignment between the performance described in the learning objective and the performance required by the evaluation task. If an objective states that learners must demonstrate a particular capability, the assessment must require them to perform that capability rather than measure something different.
For example, if the objective requires learners to troubleshoot a system, an assessment based only on recalling definitions would not adequately measure the intended performance. The learner should instead demonstrate troubleshooting through an appropriate practical or scenario-based evaluation.
Identifying the audience and specifying performance criteria can strengthen an objective, but these elements do not compensate for an assessment that measures the wrong behavior. Bloom's taxonomy can help instructional designers select verbs and cognitive levels, but simply referencing Bloom's taxonomy does not guarantee quality.
Instructional alignment connects objectives, learning activities, practice, and assessment. When these components require the same type and level of performance, the TD professional can make stronger conclusions about whether the intended learning actually occurred.
Study Guide Topics: Instructional Design; learning objectives; assessment alignment; performance objectives; evaluation.
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