Welcome to this module on constructive alignment in assessment. At its core is a simple truth: assessments are only as effective as the clarity of the learning outcomes they are designed to measure.
When outcomes are vague or open to interpretation, students may feel uncertain about what is expected of them, and assessors may judge performance inconsistently. The result is confusion, inconsistency, and frustration.
Constructive alignment addresses this by bringing three elements into harmony:
- Learning outcomes that clearly define what students should be able to do.
- Assessments that directly measure those outcomes.
- Teaching and learning activities that build the knowledge and skills students need to succeed.
When these three parts align, assessment becomes transparent, fair, and reliable—students know what is expected, and teachers can provide consistent, meaningful feedback.
