Online Assessment: Domain Model
Steven Zeil
1 Purpose
This document describes the current domain model for a system for online assessment .
2 Assessments
2.1 Model
An assessment is any form of graded question-and-answer activity. Examples include exams, quizzes, exercises, and self-assessments.
An assessment can contain a number of questions.
Questions come in many forms, including true/false, single-choice from among multiple alternatives, multiple choices, fill-in-the-blank, and essay. There may be other forms as well.
2.2 Open Questions
Questions to be taken up with the domain experts:
- What characteristics, if any, distinguish the various forms of assessment?
- Are there other kinds of assessment?
- Are there other kinds of questions?
3 Administering an Assessment
3.1 Model
Students take assessments that are administered by instructors. The students’ responses are collected by the instructor who grades them.
A total score for the assessment is computed by the instructor. If this is a self-assessment, the score is for informational purposes only. For other kinds of assessments, the instructor records the score in his/her grade book.
Information is returned to the student about their performance. At a minimum, the student would learn of their score and any instructor-provided feedback. Depending upon the instructor, students may also receive the questions, a copy of their own responses, and the instructor’s correct answer.
4 Grading Assessments
4.1 Model
The student’s complete response will consist of responses to individual questions, ideally one per question, though some may be missing or empty.
The instructor grades the student responses by comparison to a rubric for each question, applying that rubric to the students’ question response. The instructor may also elect to provide feedback (written comments), particularly about incorrect responses.
4.2 Open Questions
- What is the proper name for a student’s answer to an individual question within a response?
- What is the proper name for a marked-up (graded) response returned to a student?
- What is the proper name for a marked-up (graded) response to a single question within that document?