Alternative Assessment

We've curated a collection of resources to help K-State instructors explore alternative assessment methods. Beyond traditional tests, alternative approaches like portfolios, reflective assessments, and project-based demonstrations can offer deeper insights into students' comprehension while fostering critical thinking skills and meaningful learning.

Browse our materials to discover practical examples and research-backed strategies that might complement your current assessment practices and create more effective learning experiences. If you have any questions about these resources or would like support with course design, please contact the instructional design team at idteam@ksu.edu.

Written and Reflective Assessments

Written and Reflective Assessments measure and enhance student learning to cultivate critical thinking and deep engagement. Learn more about how to employ essays, journaling, self-assessment, and case studies.

Written and Reflective Assessments

Discussion-Based and Verbal Assessments

The Discussion-Based and Verbal Assessments page focuses on verbal assessments and discussion boards. You can learn more about specific assessments by visiting the page.

Discussion-Based and Verbal Assessments

Application-Based Assessments

Learn more about application-based assessments, cornerstone strategies for evaluating a student's capacity to apply knowledge and skills in authentic, real-world contexts.

Application-Based Assessments

Collaborative Assessments

Learn more about collaborative assessments, primarily through peer assessment, engage students in a shared learning process that significantly enhances their critical thinking and understanding of evaluation standard.

Collaborative Assessments

Visual and Creative Assessments

Learn more about visual and creative assessments, which provide dynamic alternatives to traditional written work, leveraging the power of imagery and synthesis to evaluate deep understanding.

Visual and Creative Assessments

Assessment Strategies

Learn more about general, traditional assessment strategies , sometimes online but often in paper format, using multiple-choice, True/False, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions.

Assessment Strategies