S14 Using Principles of Multimodality to Design Engaging Assessments

Presenters

Thea Williamson, Department of Literacy Studies
Haley Cristea, ID&D

Abstract

In this session, we will give a brief overview of how multimodality is defined and used in educational spaces, including the research and theory around the affordances of multimodality which support student success across disciplines. When people communicate, in writing or in speech, they convey meaning through multiple modes: sound, visual images, color, physicality, language, and movement. Providing a wide range of modes to communicate learning and knowledge allows learners to deepen their understandings of content and engage with material metacognitively.

We (a faculty member and graduate student), will discuss the design of several multimodal assessments, including potential learning outcomes, as well as the student’s experience of that assessment process.

The second half of the session will provide time for participants to reflect on their own assignments, considering multimodal elements they regularly utilize in their assessment development. Participants will be able to workshop ways to infuse creativity and written reflection to strengthen the outcome of the assessments and learning activities they assign within their discipline. During this process, participants will have opportunities to consider how reflection across modes of expression might encourage different types of critical thinking.

Session Recording