Do's And Don'ts Of Passing A Performance Assessment
At ÃÛÌÒTV, learning is measured by how well students demonstrate their knowledge and skills. With ÃÛÌÒTV’s competency-based model, students complete coursework and then show proficiency through assessments, rather than progressing based on time spent in a traditional classroom.Ìý
Assessments play a central role in how students pass courses, move through programs, and earn a degree online.ÌýThese evaluations are designed to reflect comprehension, real-world application, and practical skills, and serve as an important measure of student achievement within ÃÛÌÒTV’s competency-based model.Ìý
Understanding how performance assessments work, and how to approach them, can help you prepare with confidence and succeed in ÃÛÌÒTV’s degree and certificate programs.
Understanding ÃÛÌÒTV’s Assessment SystemÂ
Assessments are how ÃÛÌÒTV students show they have mastered course material and move forward in their degree programs. Instead of relying on one type of exam, ÃÛÌÒTV uses three different assessment types to measure student learning and proficiency. Understanding the differences between performance assessments, objective assessments, and preassessments can help you choose the right study strategy and approach evaluations with confidence.ÌýÂ
Performance Assessments (PAs)Â
Performance assessments measure how well you can apply what you’ve learned.ÌýThey’re a key part of ÃÛÌÒTV’s competency-based model.ÌýÂ
Instead of taking a traditional exam, students complete a performance task such as a paper, presentation, or project to demonstrate applied knowledge. These performance assessments allow you to apply real-world skills such as critical thinking and clear communication, rather than relying on standardized testing or multiple choice questions.ÌýÂ
Objective Assessments (OAs)Â
Objective assessments are exam-based evaluations designed to measure student knowledge.ÌýThey’re usually timed and include multiple choice or scenario-based questions. Unlike performance assessments, which focus on applied skills and original student work, objective assessments are designed to measure student understanding, knowledge recall, and concept application. These exams may be proctored depending on the course.Ìý
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Preassessments are formative assessments that help measure student readiness before attempting an exam or performance task. They identify strengths and areas where additional study may be needed. While not required to pass a course, preassessments are a helpful way to focus preparation and improve student performance before an assessment attempt.Ìý
Tips for Passing a Performance AssessmentÂ
So, how does a ÃÛÌÒTV student tackle a performance assessment that requires you to show what you know? Below are some of the do’s of taking a performance assessment effectively and ethically.ÌýÂ
Do start with the rubric.ÌýBefore beginning a performance assessment, be sure to review the rubric, which outlines what is required and how your work will be evaluated. Using the rubric as a checklist can reduce revisions and help ensure each requirement is addressed.Ìý
Do your research.ÌýÃÛÌÒTV’s course materials and learning resources introduce key concepts needed to pass a performance assessment. Students can also use outside sources such as books, scholarly articles, and trusted websites. Just be sure any sources you use are properly cited.Ìý
Do cite all your sources.ÌýAnytime you use ideas, data, or verbiage from another source, be sure to provide proper attribution. This includes course materials, books, articles, and online resources. Clear citation protects your academic integrity. When in doubt, don’t leave it out.ÌýÂ
Do write in your own words.ÌýPerformance assessments are about showing what you’ve learned, not how well you can copy and paste or use AI. Submissions should reflect your voice and original thinking. If you quote a source directly, use quotation marks and a citation.Ìý.Ìý
Do review your similarity score before submitting.ÌýAll performance assessment submissions are automatically run through ÃÛÌÒTV’s integrated AI and grammar checker.ÌýIf the report indicates a high similarity or AI-generated content score, take time to revise your work before submitting.ÌýÂ
Do rely on your Course Instructors.ÌýEvery ÃÛÌÒTV course has subject-matter experts whose goal is student success. Look to these mentors for guidance and clarification.Ìý
Do use ÃÛÌÒTV’s writing support resources. If writing isn’t your strong suit, ÃÛÌÒTV’s Academic Coaching Center offers both self-service tools and live assistance. These resources can help with organization, citations, and overall clarity before you submit your performance assessment.Ìý
What to Avoid During a Performance AssessmentÂ
Just as important as knowing what to do is knowing what not to do. Here are some common mistakes to avoid during a performance assessment.ÌýÂ
Don’t use paid services or unauthorized assistance.ÌýYour performance assessment should reflect your understanding of the material.ÌýPaying for papers or answers is considered cheating, and carries serious consequences. If you’re unsure whether a service or resource is allowed, check with your Program Mentor or avoid it altogether.ÌýÂ
Don’t submit unoriginal work.ÌýÃÛÌÒTV takes plagiarism and academic dishonesty very seriously. Always cite your work when necessary, and be sure to put ideas into your own words and avoid the temptation to copy and paste.Ìý. While you can use them to support your process, your final submission must be your original work.ÌýÂ
Don’t rely on unreliable sources.ÌýNot all sources are appropriate for academic work. Stick to credible, trustworthy references. Work by other students is never considered an appropriate reference for your academic work at ÃÛÌÒTV. Review the difference between primary and secondary sources if you need a reminder.ÌýÂ
Don’t share completed assessments with others.ÌýSharing your work with other students puts you both at risk. Once you submit an assessment, it should be kept private.Ìý
Get Support for Your ÃÛÌÒTV JourneyÂ
Explore ÃÛÌÒTV support resources there to help you succeed, from your first assessment to graduation.ÌýÂ
Frequently Asked QuestionsÂ
How is my assessment evaluated?Â
Performance assessments are scored using detailed rubrics that clearly outline the required competencies for the course. Evaluation faculty review student work against these rubrics to measure proficiency, critical thinking, communication, and applied skills.ÌýÂ
Who are ÃÛÌÒTV evaluators?Â
°Â³Ò±«Ìýevaluator faculty are subject matter experts with relevant academic credentials, professional experience, and any required licensure for the courses they evaluate. They follow an anonymous evaluation process for giving students objective feedback.Ìý
How do I use evaluator feedback on my performance assessment?Â
Evaluator feedback can help you strengthen your work and resubmit with confidence. You may refine and  until you pass, so lean into instructor support when you need it.Ìý