Assessing discussion threads against learning outcomes

You can assess discussion threads against learning outcomes aligned to a discussion topic. This allows you to easily assess learner progress against learning outcomes in Discussions. Learners can view the results of your assessment, making it easier for them to understand their progress against a learning outcome, and locate areas for improvement.

When you assess a discussion thread, a section for measuring learning outcomes displays. Using the scale defined by an administrator, you measure the learner's achievement in each learning outcome, for example, Does Not Meet Expectations, Meets Expectations, or Exceeds Expectations.

After you publish the assessment of the discussion thread, the learner navigates to the discussion topic and views the assessment.

Note the following:

• To use learning outcomes, your administrator must define a scale for your organization that measures achievement in a course. In addition, you must import learning outcomes into a course using Lessons. For more information, see Align learning outcomes to discussion topics.
• The language term used to describe learning outcomes depends on the value set by an administrator. For example, the Standards tab in a discussion topic might be labeled as Competencies, Expectations, Objectives, or Learning Outcomes.
• Adding a rubric to a discussion is optional; it is not required for assessing learning outcomes.
• Learners cannot view your assessment of learning outcomes in a discussion thread until you publish it.

To assess a discussion thread against learning outcomes, see Assess users in discussion threads.