​Most Chisholm Online students will have an assessment piece due this week, so we’ve asked our Chisholm Online teachers for their advice on how to improve assessment scores. See their words of wisdom below.​

1. Take a sneak peek at the assignment early on.

Then take note of what may contribute to the assignment as you go through each week’s learning material, especially the theory and readings.

2. Take lots of notes as you go through each week’s learning material.

These notes may be useful for completing the required tasks within the assignment.

3. Plan for your assessment.

Use time management skills and avoid cramming too much work in at the end. This will make you more relaxed when everyone else is pulling their hair out.

4. Pay particular attention to any theories, methodologies or technical specification required for the assignment.

Then go back and do some extra reading so you develop an in-depth understanding.

5. Sketch a plan or overview of the assessment.

Planning is important and understanding the word-count and structure is key to assessment success. Within your plan, include dot points that articulate the key points of the assessment to make sure you include them in your answer. Remember, someone has to read your assessment, so try to create an easy to read format where important information is obvious to the reader.

6. Re-read the assessment task and make sure you actually answer the question being asked.  

It's easy to digress, so after you've finished your assessment, re-read it a day or so later with fresh eyes and ask yourself whether you've answered the question. Pretend you're your assessor!

7. Make sure you have addressed ALL parts of the question.

You must address all parts of the question asked in order for the teacher to pass the assessment.

8. Basic spell check!

Check your spelling, grammar and presentation before submitting your assignment.

9. Include references.

Avoid plagiarism by referencing when you are using quotes or someone else’s ideas. 

10. Have someone else proofread your work.

Two sets of eyes are better than one. Ask an astute family member or friend to read over your work and give you constructive feedback to improve your assessment.

11.  Submit the assessment a few days prior to the due date.

This provides you with another chance to resubmit the work in case the assessment is not satisfactory in the first attempt.​

12. Read the comment boxes next to your submissions.

This is where your teacher will leave comments and notify you if you are required to resubmit the assessment.