Teacher’s Handbook

Learning assessment at Aalto University

Assessment for learning at Aalto University is a carefully planned pedagogical process which aims to support learning instead of merely measuring it. It is always strongly connected to the course and curriculum objectives and the intended learning outcomes. The objectives and outcomes are confirmed in the two-year curricula of the degree programmes.

The course-level assessment matrix, which summarises the the learning to be attained in the course, is always designed against the intended learning outcomes of the course. Learning outcomes are defined and confirmed in the curriculum process, which occurs every two years. The assessment practices are chosen and planned by the teacher of the course.

There are many approaches to assessment. In this section, we introduce some of the options that are commonly used.
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Teacher's Handbook is provided and maintained by LES, Teacher Services.

Variety of assessment practices

Aalto University is a multidisciplinary university with a wide spectrum of teaching traditions, programme profiles and degrees. For a teacher, it is beneficial to reflect on and understand Aalto's wide array of teaching and learning contexts and their pedagogical possibilities.

The student assignments in a course can vary from academic texts, study or project reports, essays, designs, productions and portfolios to artwork.  Learning can also be assessed in an exam, whether onsite or online. 

It is beneficial to discuss assessments with colleagues from different Aalto schools and learn from the practices of other disciplines and teaching traditions.

‘Assessment for learning’ means the methods, tools and practices that you use in order to define what the student has learned in relation to the intended learning outcomes of the course. The main things to consider when choosing an assessment method or methods are:

  • What is being assessed?
  • How is learning assessed?
  • When is the assessment done?
  • Who assesses?

For academic guidance and thesis evaluation, please contact your school's Learning services team.

Assessment principles

Aalto University General Regulations on Teaching and Studying

Digital learning assessment and examination

Digital learning assessment and online examination

Digital, or online assessment enables flexibility in studies, and allows to reimagine assessment methods. Aalto has several digital assessment and online examination services: MyCourses assignments and activities, remotely proctored exams, EXAM, Turnitin and Safe Exam Browser (SEB). On this page, you will discover brief descriptions of all our services, along with helpful links. These services are not only supported by the university, but they are also secure and adaptable to various situations.

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Sisu and MyCourses 

Sisu and MyCourses are core digital platforms that all teachers need in order to successfully manage their student information, course content and workflow, including assignments, learning materials, collaboration, student communication and assessments.

 

Sisu and MyCourses: the core systems and their connections

How do courses get their online workspace? All Aalto University courses are listed in Sisu, the student information system. MyCourses online workspaces are automatically generated based on the Sisu information for each course.

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Sisu and MyCourses interfaces

The values guiding assessment principles at Aalto University

Strategy key visuals visualising the university key areas, namely research, education, impact, illustration by Anna Muchenikova

Aalto University strategy – We shape a sustainable future

Our operations are based on high-quality research, education, impact, as well as shared values – responsibility, courage, and collaboration. The purpose of the university is to shape a sustainable future.

Our strategy
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Code of Conduct - Values into practice

The Aalto University Code of Conduct is one way of putting our values and way of working — the foundation of our community culture — into practice

Aalto University
Kuvassa eri-ikäisiä ja erimaalaisia ihmisiä työskentelemässä yhdessä. Kuva: Aleksi Poutanen

Equality, diversity and inclusion at Aalto

We aim to be a diverse and inclusive community where all students, faculty, staff and stakeholders feel a sense of belonging and can fulfill their professional, educational and social aspirations fully.

Aalto University
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Teaching and learning

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