Flexible assignments for multiple learning styles

Student learning assessment in the country is generally a combination of internal evaluation which entails class tests and assignments and a set of examinations. But, as the education system is evolving and academics are not the primary factor for growth; the possibility of new styles of evaluation is being explored. Here is an insight into a different approach that can be used for assessing students:

Flexibility

The idea of flexible assignments is to basically not bind students to a set of guidelines to prove their mettle. It refers to variations in themes, environment, deadlines, and definitely ensues an innovative application towards the completion of assignments.

While this is quite common in creative disciplines, the transition to online learning is encouraging all fields to practice more flexibility in their functioning. One of the primary obstacles in this is the limited horizon of the evaluators. We are so used to just correcting written assignments or reading through a set of similar content, that it often feels taxing to give students the liberty to present their understanding in ways that would make us struggle.

The student-faculty equation should be such that the research put in by students is always sculpted with proper guidance by the mentor. Let us take an example of the business discipline. It is encouraging to let a student pick business case studies that interest them and put forth learnings that they would want to inculcate in their education and career.

Benefits

One of the primary benefits for students here is that they do not get into the cycle of herd mentality submissions. In fact, they apply their understanding and actually learn better. It also saves the pressure and stress that can deter them from performing qualitatively. The whole approach towards assessments is very quantitative at the moment, but when students get to exercise their own creativity and innovative approach, it results in adding value to their personality.

It also motivates them to research better, have enriching conversations. For instance, a group that has to present a perspective on say a certain Bill passed in the parliament can really have a lot of healthy interactions amongst each other and understand different perspectives.

Here is what the faculty can do to ensure a proper structure even while offering the students the liberty of flexibility in assignments.

How can the faculty help?

At educational institutes, we recommend providing the students with proper confidence to effectively use their creativity and innovation to ensure proper grasping of the curriculum for young aspirants. However, some of the rules can be propagated so that there is no undue advantage taken.

Give students the flexibility to present an assignment in whichever way they want, but set deadlines.

Set guidelines in terms of not being too politically incorrect. For instance, opinions are okay- but hurting religious sentiments or being extremist in viewpoints would not be tolerated.

Have a certain fund allocated for students who wish to explore different places as a part of their assignment, but ensure that they are accountable.

As we move towards new learning styles, giving students a leeway to experiment will surely help institutes create individuals who are valuable additions to the nation as well as the industry. We feel that with a balanced approach and certain guidelines, flexible assignments can prove to be a good way for holistic growth of students.

(The author is president of a group of institutes)