Alternatives to conventional written assessment

Dyslexia, a learning disorder that impacts the acquisition of reading and writing skills, poses specific challenges in the context of academic assessment. Recognizing the diversity of abilities and strengths in students with dyslexia, it is essential to explore alternatives to conventional written assessment. This session will examine innovative approaches to equitably assess the academic performance of these students, highlighting the importance of an inclusive process tailored to individual needs.

Challenges in Written Assessment for Students with Dyslexia

• Impact of Dyslexia on Written Expression: Dyslexia can affect fluency and accuracy in written expression. Students with dyslexia may experience difficulties in spelling, grammar and organizing ideas, which can result in written assessments that do not fully reflect their understanding of the content.

• Inequities in Traditional Assessment: Conventional written assessment often places students with dyslexia at a disadvantage as it focuses on specific skills that may be areas of difficulty for them. This traditional approach fails to capture the breadth of skills and knowledge that these students may possess.

Exploring Creative Alternatives in Assessment

• Project and Presentation-Based Assessment: An effective alternative to written assessment is the adoption of projects and presentations. Allowing students to demonstrate their understanding through creative projects, such as visual presentations, models or practical activities, highlights their non-verbal skills and encourages a more inclusive approach.

• Use of Assistive Technologies: The incorporation of assistive technologies, such as speech-to-text programs or voice recognition software, offers a valuable alternative. These tools allow students to express their ideas verbally, overcoming the barriers associated with dyslexia and providing a more accurate assessment of their knowledge.

Assessment Based on Active Participation

• Participation in Discussions and Debates: Assessing participation in discussions and debates encourages oral expression and the ability to argue. This approach not only highlights verbal skills, but also provides students with dyslexia the opportunity to share their knowledge in a more accessible way.

• Collaboration in Group Projects: Assessment through group projects encourages collaboration and highlights the social and creative strengths of students with dyslexia. By contributing their unique skills to the group, these students can prove themselves in more interactive contexts.

Assessment of Practical and Artistic Skills

• Assessment through Artistic Activities: Allowing students to demonstrate their understanding through artistic activities, such as drawing, painting or sculpture, offers a creative alternative. These forms of expression are not only accessible, but also highlight their visual and creative skills.

• Assessment of Scientific Skills through Experiments: In scientific fields, assessment can focus on practical experiments rather than written reports. This approach not only assesses scientific understanding, but also provides an avenue for students with dyslexia to demonstrate their practical skills.

Adaptation of Traditional Written Assessments

• Use of Accommodations to Support Written Expression: For those times when written assessment is essential, incorporating accom