Fostering inclusive excellence: designing effective assessments for online education

This chapter introduces a comprehensive assessment design framework, drawing insights from both pre- and post-pandemic online teaching. Emphasising the enhancement of student engagement, inclusive learning environments, and the facilitation of deep learning experiences, the framework centres on three essential elements: subject, students, and purpose. It asserts that effective assessments should inherently embody inclusivity, measuring understanding, skills, and proficiencies while ensuring accessibility, equity, and fairness for all students, irrespective of personal attributes. The framework’s versatility extends to various teaching methods across disciplines, including economics, and accommodates both face-to-face and online education. Guiding educators through an inquisitive “Five Ws + One H” problem-solving approach, the chapter acknowledges the importance of institutional support, particularly if institutions are committed to fostering diversity and reducing disparities in academic outcomes.