Five Student-Friendly Test Strategies For Better Results

The shift to “student-centered” teaching is the most significant educational evolution over the past decade.  (A.I. looks like a strong contender to be the next big thing.) 

Student-centered instruction is characterized by collaboration, student choice, and real-world tasks.  Students are empowered to take on ownership of their learning, while teachers assume the more flexible role of learning guide or coach.  But what about student-centered assessments? We don’t talk about those nearly as much.

What Are Student-Centered Assessments?

Student-centered assessment has three main traits:  

• • Prioritizes student engagement 
  • Allows for multiple ways to demonstrate understanding
  • Connects to real-world tasks or skills 

Traditional assessment was often about the acquisition of knowledge; a “memorize and repeat” experience for students.  Conversely, student-centered assessment prioritizes critical thinking and the application of knowledge.

If you’ve put in the effort to build a student-centered classroom, it makes sense to create assessments that match. But how do you do that? Here are five strategies to help you design assessments that are meaningful, manageable, and more engaging for students.

5 Student-Centered Assessment Strategies for Today’s Students

1. Focus on the Most Essential Content

The problem: Many assessments try to cover everything, often leading to memorization over meaningful understanding.

Traditional exams sometimes require students to memorize and regurgitate peripheral information. (Who among us hasn’t said, “The period is 45 minutes, so I’d better have about 45 questions on that unit test.”) Instead, we want our students to internalize the content and apply it in more meaningful and memorable ways. 

To do that, clarify what you need your students to know. 

Key takeaway: Focus on depth over breadth by identifying the most essential concepts and prioritizing those in assessments.

2. Vary the Assessment Method

The problem: Relying on one or two assessment formats all year limits how students can demonstrate learning.

The goal here is to allow students to communicate their understanding in different ways. Some assessments test recall, while others encourage synthesis, application, and critical thinking. Choose formats that best align with your learning goals, but don’t be afraid to switch it up.

Key takeaway: Introduce one or two new assessment types each year to broaden students’ opportunities for success.

3. Incorporate Skills 

The problem: Traditional test formats often fail to assess key skills like critical thinking, writing, or collaboration.

If you want to address and assess skills beyond content knowledge, such as writing, public speaking, or teamwork, integrate skill-based tasks into your assessment. If your goal is solely content knowledge, consider multiple ways for students to demonstrate understanding using a skill they’re comfortable with.  For example, if you teach math, you could give students a choice of creating a visual representation or a written summary to show content mastery. 

Key takeaway: Assessments are a great way to evaluate both knowledge and essential skills.

4. Scaffold the Skills Necessary for the Assessment

The problem: Teachers often review content but fail to scaffold the skills needed for students to succeed on the assessment.

If your assessment includes a presentation, group project, or creative task, students need structured practice before the final assessment. Build in opportunities throughout your unit to support these skills.

Example of Scaffolding for a Presentation:

1. Early in the unit, have students outline key points and gather research.
2. Midway through the unit: Require a rough draft of slides or talking points.
3. A few days before the assessment, have students practice with a partner and give peer feedback.

If the assessment is content-focused, scaffold study strategies by teaching students how to create a study guide, review notes effectively, or prepare for specific question formats.

Key takeaway: Scaffolding assessments allows for more complex assessments by ensuring students are set up for success.

5. Make Grading More Effective & Manageable

The problem: A single test score provides little feedback to students, and grading can quickly become overwhelming.

For assessments requiring written responses or projects, rubrics clarify expectations and streamline grading. Consider using checklists or holistic rubrics to make the grading process more efficient.

Other Time-Saving Grading Tips:

• Have students complete a self-assessment before submitting work.
• Grade the essential parts of certain assignments.
• Provide whole-class feedback on common errors instead of writing the same comments repeatedly.

Key takeaway: Use rubrics and strategic grading techniques to provide meaningful feedback without grading taking over your life.

Amanda Melsby has been a professional educator for 20 years.  She taught English before working as an assistant principal and later as a high school principal.  Amanda holds an Ed.D. in Educational Practice and Leadership and is currently a dean of teaching and learning.