Open response assessments follow a structured sequence of steps, which you must complete in order. Future steps remain locked until you finish the current one. This guide outlines all possible steps, though your specific assignment may vary depending on how your course team has designed it.

1. Submit Your Response

In this initial step, you provide your answer to the assignment question.

2. Learn to Assess Responses

You practice evaluating sample responses using a grading rubric. After grading, you compare your assessment with the one provided by the course team. This step helps you understand how to assess responses consistently with course staff expectations.

3. Peer Assessment

You evaluate responses submitted by other learners, and in turn, your response is assessed by your peers. The course team determines the required number of peer assessments you must complete and receive. For example, you might need to grade two peers’ responses while receiving feedback from two peers.

4. Self-Assessment

You review and grade your own response using the same rubric applied during peer assessments.

5. Staff Grading (If Applicable)

Course staff may assess your response, and if they do, their grade will override any peer assessments. Staff grading may occur even if it is not a designated step in the assignment, particularly if peer assessments are found to be inappropriate or unreliable.

Note: Course staff have the authority to evaluate your response at any time, even if a formal staff assessment step is not part of the assignment. This may happen if peer assessments are deemed inaccurate or unfair.