In this event Dr. Fetter discussed how her approach to open-book exams allows students expanded permitted activities during timed exams. By focusing on her students’ understanding of class concepts, Dr. Fetter has found that her approach to assessments (including a variety of types of questions) has diminished the stress her students feel when preparing for and taking her exams, and has eased faculty and student concerns about academic integrity. She also discussed how her approach to “open-book exams” allows students flexibility regarding how they spend their time during her timed exams and additional opportunities to showcase their level of understanding through various question types.

Staying with the theme of effective assessments, Dr. Patricia Turner, an Education Specialist at the UC Davis Center for Educational Effectiveness, and Dr. Margaret Merrill, Senior Instructional Consultant at the Academic Technology Services, explored several types of assignments and assessments designed to enhance student engagement with content. They will also discuss the technologies that can help instructors create such effective types of assignments and provide students with essential feedback that leads to enhanced learning.