What does it mean to "align" learning objectives with assessments?

Aligning learning objectives with assessments means ensuring that the assessments used to evaluate students' understanding and abilities accurately measure the skills and knowledge that the learning objectives have outlined. This alignment is crucial in educational settings because it helps to verify that what students are being taught is effectively being assessed.

When assessments are aligned with learning objectives, they provide a clear indicator of how well students are grasping the material, allowing educators to identify areas where students may be excelling or struggling. This practice ultimately supports accurate feedback, effective teaching strategies, and improved learning outcomes. By focusing on the specific objectives set for the learning experience, educators can create assessments that are directly relevant, meaningful, and capable of truly reflecting student progress and competency.