Assessment Plan
Alignment with Objectives: Each assessment in my instructional design project is directly tied to a measurable learning objective:
Objective 1 - Apply three evidence-based anxiety regulation strategies in real-life situations.
Assessment: Branching scenario with realistic anxiety triggers where learners choose a coping strategy and see the immediate and long-term outcomes of their choice. Feedback includes an explanation of why certain strategies are more effective in given contexts.
Objective 2 - Reflect on and adjust coping strategies through structured journaling.
Assessment: Final journal submission evaluated with a checklist measuring strategy identification, correct application, and depth of reflection. Learners revisit their initial trigger log to assess growth and adaptation over time.
Objective 3 - Objective: Learners will reflect on how their emotions have transformed their own development after completing the 10-day practice series, and make a commitment to incorporating what they have learned into their everyday life.
Assessment: Learners complete a journal reflection log, submit an end-of-module written summary of at least one key emotional shift, create a personal “Resilience Pledge” outlining their ongoing commitment, and record a brief voice memo demonstrating use of a resilience tool with self-reflection on its impact.
Rationale for Assessment Methods: The chosen assessments are grounded in evidence-based instructional design practices.
Branching Scenarios - Drawn from scenario-based learning theory, these simulations allow learners to apply skills in realistic, low-risk environments. Research shows they increase transfer by requiring active decision-making and reflection on outcomes.
Structured Journaling - Based on metacognition and self-regulated learning theory, reflective writing helps learners monitor their progress, recognize patterns, and adjust strategies over time. Providing prompts and a scoring checklist supports consistency and depth in learner responses.
Pledge & Voice Memo – Commitment-based learning and verbal affirmation techniques have been shown to increase accountability and long-term adherence to behavior change.
Feedback Process:
Formative Feedback - Automated feedback in branching scenarios offers immediate, targeted explanations for each decision. This ensures learners understand not just whether a choice was effective but why.
Summative Feedback - Personalized instructor comments on the final journal reinforce effective strategies, suggest areas for refinement, and encourage ongoing practice beyond the course. Feedback focuses on actionable improvement rather than judgment.
Reflective Journal Assessment Rubric
(This table below serves as the scoring rubric for the reflective journal assessments within this adult learning app.)
| Criteria | Meets Standard (1 pt) | Exceeds Standard (2 pts) |
|---|---|---|
| Understanding of science-based concept | Accurate but basic explanation | Accurate, detailed explanation with real-world connection |
| Reflection on meditation experience | Identifies preferred element | Explains why it was effective and links to personal triggers |
| Application of daily tool | Identifies tool and basic use plan | Identifies tool, gives detailed plan, anticipates barriers |
| End-of-day reflection | Provides basic success/failure statement | Analyzes successes/challenges and proposes adjustment |
Sample Assessment: Lesson Reflection & Application
Objective: Learners will apply one stress regulation technique from the lesson and reflect on its effectiveness in a real-world context.
Assessment Flow:
Journal Prompt #1 (Science-Based Lesson):
“Based on what you learned about the vagus nerve today, describe in your own words how it influences the body’s stress response. How can this knowledge help you recognize the signs of anxiety earlier?”Meditation Reflection Question:
“During today’s 10-minute guided meditation, which part felt most effective for you — the breathing cycle, the body scan, or the imagery? Why do you think it had that impact?”Tool Application Question:
“Which tool from today’s lesson will you carry into your day? Describe when and how you plan to use it within the next 24 hours.”Journal Prompt #2 (End-of-Day Check-In):
“Reflect on your use of today’s tool. What worked well? What challenges did you face? How will you adjust your approach tomorrow?”
Summary: This dual-method assessment approach ensures that learners not only demonstrate skill use in a simulated environment but also reflect deeply on how these skills work in their own lives. The combination of immediate feedback from scenarios and reflective feedback on journals supports both skill mastery and self-awareness, increasing the likelihood of long-term behavior change. This assessment approach aligns with the project’s goal of fostering long-term emotional resilience through practical application and ongoing self-reflection.