ABSTRACT
This chapter begins by highlighting the principles of assessments, including the importance of tying in the key ideas of self-determination theory (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) when creating and implementing assessments. It discusses how to create fair and appropriate assessments and what factors to consider when giving assessments. The chapter briefly highlights the difference between pre-assessments, formative, and summative assessments. It also addresses how instructors can effectively use assessments, including providing examples of pre-assessments that sport and exercise instructors can apply in their own classes. The chapter then reviews how instructors can establish meaningful and appropriate grading criteria. Assessments can be divided into: pre-assessments, formative assessments, and summative assessments. Pre-assessments typically occur prior to instruction and usually do not have a grade attached, unless it is a completion grade. Using technology, such as class learning management system or a student response system (SRS), to deliver pre-tests allows one to easily quantify and graph the data.
