WGU D638 ASSESSMENT AND LEARNING ALIGNMENT
COMPLETE OA PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND STUDY
GUIDE WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
SCENARIO-BASED ASSESSMENT PREPARATION A+
VERIFIED LATEST VERSION
Key Concepts for the OA
1. Learning Objectives
Learning objectives describe what students should know or be able to do after instruction.
Characteristics of Strong Learning Objectives
• Specific
• Measurable
• Observable
• Standards-aligned
• Student-centered
Common Action Verbs
Bloom’s Level Example Verbs
Remember Define, List, Recall
Understand Explain, Summarize
Apply Demonstrate, Solve
Analyze Compare, Differentiate
Evaluate Critique, Justify
Create Design, Develop
Example Objective
“Students will be able to compare renewable and nonrenewable energy sources using
evidence from informational texts.”
,2. Assessment Types
Formative Assessments
Formative assessments occur during instruction and are used to monitor student
understanding and guide teaching adjustments.
Characteristics
• Low stakes
• Ongoing
• Provides feedback
• Guides instruction
• Supports student growth
Examples
• Exit tickets
• Class discussions
• Quick quizzes
• Peer reviews
• Graphic organizers
• Draft submissions
• Think-pair-share activities
OA Tip
If the scenario focuses on improving learning during instruction or checking understanding
before the final evaluation, the answer is usually formative assessment.
Summative Assessments
Summative assessments evaluate student learning at the end of instruction.
Characteristics
• High stakes
• Measures mastery
• Final evaluation
• Used for grading
Examples
• Final exams
, • State assessments
• End-of-unit projects
• Research papers
• Standardized tests
• Final presentations
OA Tip
If the scenario focuses on measuring final mastery or assigning grades, the answer is
usually summative assessment.
3. Matching Assessments to Learning Objectives
A major focus of the OA is selecting assessments that directly measure the intended skill.
Examples
Learning Objective Best Assessment
Identify vocabulary terms Multiple-choice quiz
Demonstrate scientific procedures Lab activity
Analyze historical events Essay response
Deliver persuasive arguments Oral presentation
Collaborate with peers Group project
Solve mathematical equations Problem-solving assignment
OA Tip
The assessment must measure the exact skill in the objective. Avoid answers that only
partially measure the objective.
4. Standards Alignment
Teachers must align: 1. Learning objectives 2. Instructional activities 3. Assessments
This is often called instructional alignment.
COMPLETE OA PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND STUDY
GUIDE WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
SCENARIO-BASED ASSESSMENT PREPARATION A+
VERIFIED LATEST VERSION
Key Concepts for the OA
1. Learning Objectives
Learning objectives describe what students should know or be able to do after instruction.
Characteristics of Strong Learning Objectives
• Specific
• Measurable
• Observable
• Standards-aligned
• Student-centered
Common Action Verbs
Bloom’s Level Example Verbs
Remember Define, List, Recall
Understand Explain, Summarize
Apply Demonstrate, Solve
Analyze Compare, Differentiate
Evaluate Critique, Justify
Create Design, Develop
Example Objective
“Students will be able to compare renewable and nonrenewable energy sources using
evidence from informational texts.”
,2. Assessment Types
Formative Assessments
Formative assessments occur during instruction and are used to monitor student
understanding and guide teaching adjustments.
Characteristics
• Low stakes
• Ongoing
• Provides feedback
• Guides instruction
• Supports student growth
Examples
• Exit tickets
• Class discussions
• Quick quizzes
• Peer reviews
• Graphic organizers
• Draft submissions
• Think-pair-share activities
OA Tip
If the scenario focuses on improving learning during instruction or checking understanding
before the final evaluation, the answer is usually formative assessment.
Summative Assessments
Summative assessments evaluate student learning at the end of instruction.
Characteristics
• High stakes
• Measures mastery
• Final evaluation
• Used for grading
Examples
• Final exams
, • State assessments
• End-of-unit projects
• Research papers
• Standardized tests
• Final presentations
OA Tip
If the scenario focuses on measuring final mastery or assigning grades, the answer is
usually summative assessment.
3. Matching Assessments to Learning Objectives
A major focus of the OA is selecting assessments that directly measure the intended skill.
Examples
Learning Objective Best Assessment
Identify vocabulary terms Multiple-choice quiz
Demonstrate scientific procedures Lab activity
Analyze historical events Essay response
Deliver persuasive arguments Oral presentation
Collaborate with peers Group project
Solve mathematical equations Problem-solving assignment
OA Tip
The assessment must measure the exact skill in the objective. Avoid answers that only
partially measure the objective.
4. Standards Alignment
Teachers must align: 1. Learning objectives 2. Instructional activities 3. Assessments
This is often called instructional alignment.
