This beginner-level workshop introduces foundational concepts in student assessment and guides you through creating clear, aligned assignment instructions. You will learn the differences between assessment types, explore characteristics of effective and equitable assessment, and walk through the key steps in the grading process. Using the alignment model, you will have the opportunity to review and revise an assignment prompt and connect it with appropriate grading criteria. This workshop may be counted toward the Pedagogy concentration of the Achievement in Pedagogy Badge, offered through the Graduate Student Teaching Initiative. For more information, visit the Achievement in Pedagogy Badge website or contact tahelp@pitt.edu.

As a result of completing this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Define assessment.
• Articulate the difference between formative and summative assessment.
• Describe characteristics of effective, equitable assessment.
• Explain the steps in the grading process.
• Create an assignment prompt that aligns with a learning objective and clearly communicates grading criteria.