Tag: Examples

25 Evaluative Thesis Examples (2025)
An evaluative thesis makes a judgment about the quality, importance, or effectiveness of something based on specific criteria.

Here’s its structure:

[Subject] + [Judgment based on criteria] + [Criteria/Standards]

And here’s a simple example:

“The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Black Panther succeeds as a culturally significant film through its authentic representation of African culture, complex character development, and thoughtful exploration of colonialism.”

You’ll notice the necessary elements in that statement that make it specifically an evaluative thesis statement:
- It states what is being evaluated (Black Panther)
- It makes a value judgment (succeeds)
- It provides specific criteria for the evaluation (representation, character development, themes)
Makes sense? Let’s explore some more examples.

Evaluative Thesis Examples

#25. The Finnish Education System

“The Finnish education system stands as the most effective model of public education among developed nations, demonstrated by its student-centered learning approach, high teacher qualification standards, and emphasis on equity over standardized testing.”
- Subject: Finnish education system
- Judgment: most effective model
- Criteria: student-centered learning, teacher qualifications, equity focus
#24. Social Media and Youth Health

“Social media platform Instagram proves particularly detrimental to adolescent mental health due to its emphasis on physical appearance, promotion of social comparison, and algorithmic amplification of unrealistic lifestyle content.”
- Subject: Instagram’s impact on adolescent mental health
- Judgment: particularly detrimental
- Criteria: appearance focus, social comparison, algorithmic amplification
#23. Nordic Welfare State

“The Nordic welfare state model demonstrates superior effectiveness in reducing income inequality through its progressive taxation system, universal social services, and strong labor market protections.”
- Subject: Nordic welfare state model
- Judgment: superior effectiveness
- Criteria: taxation, social services, labor protections
#22. Urban Gentrification

“Contemporary urban gentrification policies in major U.S. cities fail to serve community interests based on their displacement of long-term residents, erosion of cultural heritage, and acceleration of economic segregation.”
- Subject: Urban gentrification policies
- Judgment: fail to serve community interests
- Criteria: displacement, cultural preservation, economic integration
#21. Aging Population

“Japan’s aging population management strategies excel in addressing demographic challenges through their innovative healthcare delivery, intergenerational community programs, and technology integration for elderly care.”
- Subject: Japan’s aging population management
- Judgment: excel in addressing challenges
- Criteria: healthcare delivery, community programs, technology integration
#20. Indigenous Reconciliation

“The Australian reconciliation process with Indigenous peoples remains inadequate due to insufficient land rights recognition, limited political representation, and weak implementation of cultural preservation policies.”
- Subject: Australian reconciliation process
- Judgment: remains inadequate
- Criteria: land rights, political representation, cultural preservation
#19. German Education System

“Germany’s dual vocational education system proves highly successful in youth workforce development through its integration of classroom learning, practical training, and industry partnerships.”
- Subject: German dual vocational education
- Judgment: highly successful
- Criteria: classroom learning, practical training, industry partnerships
#18. Canadian Multiculturalism

“Canada’s multiculturalism policy emerges as an exemplary model for cultural integration based on its legal framework for equality, support for cultural expression, and inclusive citizenship practices.”
- Subject: Canadian multiculturalism policy
- Judgment: exemplary model
- Criteria: legal framework, cultural support, citizenship practices
#17. Mental Health Shortcomings

“South Korea’s mental health services demonstrate critical shortcomings in addressing public needs through their limited accessibility, high stigmatization, and insufficient preventive measures.”
- Subject: South Korean mental health services
- Judgment: critical shortcomings
- Criteria: accessibility, stigma levels, prevention efforts
#16. Environmental Conservation

“New Zealand’s environmental conservation strategies show remarkable effectiveness in biodiversity protection through their indigenous knowledge integration, community-based management, and ecosystem-wide approach.”
- Subject: NZ environmental conservation strategies
- Judgment: remarkable effectiveness
- Criteria: indigenous knowledge, community management, ecosystem approach
#15. Refugee Integration

“The European Union’s refugee integration programs demonstrate significant inadequacies based on their inconsistent implementation, limited resource allocation, and poor cultural sensitivity training.”
- Subject: EU refugee integration programs
- Judgment: significant inadequacies
- Criteria: implementation consistency, resources, cultural training
#14. Public Housing System

“Singapore’s public housing system emerges as an exceptional model of urban planning through its racial integration policies, affordable pricing structures, and community-centered design.”
- Subject: Singapore’s public housing
- Judgment: exceptional model
- Criteria: racial integration, affordability, community design
#13. Renewable Energy Transition

“Scotland’s renewable energy transition shows remarkable success in sustainable development through its community ownership schemes, technological innovation, and grid modernization efforts.”
- Subject: Scotland’s renewable transition
- Judgment: remarkable success
- Criteria: community ownership, innovation, grid modernization
#12. Gender Equality Initiatives

“Rwanda’s gender equality initiatives stand out as particularly effective in advancing women’s rights through quota systems, economic empowerment programs, and anti-violence legislation.”
- Subject: Rwanda’s gender equality initiatives
- Judgment: particularly effective
- Criteria: quotas, economic programs, legislation
#11. Digital Democracy

“Taiwan’s digital democracy tools excel in promoting civic engagement through their transparency mechanisms, participatory budgeting platforms, and citizen feedback systems.”
- Subject: Taiwan’s digital democracy tools
- Judgment: excel in promoting engagement
- Criteria: transparency, participation, feedback systems
#10. Bike Infrastructure

“The Netherlands’ bicycle infrastructure proves exemplary in sustainable urban mobility through its comprehensive network design, safety prioritization, and integration with public transit.”
- Subject: Dutch bicycle infrastructure
- Judgment: exemplary
- Criteria: network design, safety, transit integration
#9. Environmental Education

“Costa Rica’s environmental education curriculum demonstrates outstanding effectiveness in fostering ecological awareness through its experiential learning approach, local ecosystem focus, and community involvement.”
- Subject: Costa Rica’s environmental education
- Judgment: outstanding effectiveness
- Criteria: experiential learning, ecosystem focus, community involvement
#8. Elder Care Systems

“Denmark’s elder care system shows superior quality in supporting aging populations through its home care emphasis, social inclusion programs, and preventive health measures.”
- Subject: Danish elder care
- Judgment: superior quality
- Criteria: home care, social inclusion, preventive health
#7. E-Governance

“Estonia’s e-governance platform emerges as a leading model of digital public services through its user-centered design, robust security measures, and comprehensive service integration.”
- Subject: Estonian e-governance
- Judgment: leading model
- Criteria: user design, security, service integration
#6. Rehabilitation in Norway

“Norway’s prison rehabilitation system demonstrates exceptional effectiveness in reducing recidivism through its emphasis on education, psychological support, and gradual reintegration programs.”
- Subject: Norwegian prison rehabilitation
- Judgment: exceptional effectiveness
- Criteria: education, psychological support, reintegration
#5. Urban Policy

“Barcelona’s urban superblock initiative proves highly successful in improving city livability through its pedestrian prioritization, green space expansion, and local business support.”
- Subject: Barcelona’s superblock initiative
- Judgment: highly successful
- Criteria: pedestrian spaces, green areas, business support
#4. Truth and Reconciliation

“South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission shows mixed effectiveness as a transitional justice mechanism based on its victim testimony process, amnesty provisions, and reparation implementation.”
- Subject: SA Truth and Reconciliation Commission
- Judgment: mixed effectiveness
- Criteria: testimony process, amnesty, reparations
3. Gross National Happiness

“Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness index emerges as an innovative model for measuring societal progress through its cultural preservation metrics, environmental sustainability indicators, and community vitality assessments.”
- Subject: Bhutan’s GNH index
- Judgment: innovative model
- Criteria: cultural metrics, environmental indicators, community vitality
#2. Growth Mindsets

“The widely-adopted ‘growth mindset’ intervention proves ineffective as a universal educational tool due to its oversimplified implementation, lack of cultural context consideration, and overemphasis on individual rather than systemic factors.”
- Subject: Growth mindset intervention
- Judgment: ineffective as universal tool
- Criteria: implementation, cultural context, systemic consideration
#1. Dopamine Detox

“Social media’s ‘dopamine detox’ trend emerges as a problematic self-help approach through its misrepresentation of neuroscience, one-size-fits-all recommendations, and neglect of underlying mental health factors.”
- Subject: Dopamine detox trend
- Judgment: problematic approach
- Criteria: scientific accuracy, universal recommendations, mental health consideration
Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]
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February 19, 2025
25 Analytical Thesis Statement Examples (2025)
An analytical thesis statement is designed to present interpretation and analysis, not a subjective argument. This makes it different from an argumentative thesis statement.

To demonstrate how to write an analytical thesis statement, consider these two statements and how they differ:
- Analytical: The rise of social media addiction is influenced by dopamine-driven feedback loops, algorithmic personalization, and social validation, which collectively shape user behavior and mental health outcomes.
- Argumentative: Social media platforms should be required to regulate algorithmic engagement features, as they exploit psychological vulnerabilities, contribute to declining mental health, and disproportionately affect young users.
Notice how the argumentative thesis statement presents a forceful point of view, while the analytical statement presents an interpretation only, stopping short of suggestions or argumentative language.

In this article, I will present a range of analytical thesis statements in a template format so you can select one and insert your topic’s information. So, all you need to do is select one that looks good for you!

Analytical Thesis Statement Examples

Template 1:
The concept of ____ is impacted by ____, ____, and ____ in ____.

Example:
The concept of social mobility is impacted by education, economic policies, and cultural capital in modern societies.

Template 2:
By examining ____, ____, and ____, it becomes clear that ____ plays a crucial role in ____.

Example:
By examining urban planning, public transportation, and economic development, it becomes clear that infrastructure plays a crucial role in social equity.

Template 3:
An analysis of ____ reveals how ____, ____, and ____ contribute to ____.

Example:
An analysis of misinformation reveals how cognitive biases, media algorithms, and political polarization contribute to the spread of false narratives.

Template 4:
The evolution of ____ in ____ is shaped by ____, ____, and ____.

Example:
The evolution of feminist movements in Western society is shaped by legal changes, cultural shifts, and media representation.

Template 5:
Through an examination of ____, it becomes evident that ____, ____, and ____ shape ____.

Example:
Through an examination of prison reform, it becomes evident that rehabilitation programs, sentencing policies, and racial disparities shape recidivism rates.

Template 6:
The portrayal of ____ in ____ demonstrates the impact of ____, ____, and ____.

Example:
The portrayal of mental illness in film demonstrates the impact of stigma, public perception, and healthcare accessibility.

Template 7:
By deconstructing ____, one can see how ____, ____, and ____ influence ____.

Example:
By deconstructing global trade agreements, one can see how economic dependency, labor exploitation, and diplomatic relations influence international markets.

Template 8:
Examining ____ through the lens of ____, ____, and ____ reveals its significance in ____.

Example:
Examining voting behavior through the lens of social identity, economic status, and media influence reveals its significance in shaping election outcomes.

Template 9:
The contrast between ____ and ____ in ____ reveals the deeper meaning behind ____.

Example:
The contrast between individualistic and collectivist cultures in decision-making reveals the deeper meaning behind social responsibility and personal autonomy.

Template 10:
The recurring pattern of ____ in ____ emphasizes the importance of ____, ____, and ____.

Example:
The recurring pattern of financial crises in capitalist economies emphasizes the importance of government regulation, market stability, and corporate accountability.

Template 11:
The development of ____ in ____ illustrates how ____, ____, and ____ shape ____.

Example:
The development of mass surveillance in modern governments illustrates how technology, security concerns, and privacy debates shape civil liberties.

Template 12:
Through the use of ____, ____, and ____, ____ conveys the theme of ____.

Example:
Through the use of propaganda, historical narratives, and educational systems, nationalist movements convey the theme of cultural superiority.

Template 13:
An analysis of ____ reveals how ____, ____, and ____ contribute to ____.

Example:
An analysis of poverty reveals how systemic inequality, labor market trends, and government policy contribute to socioeconomic stratification.

Template 14:
The structure of ____ in ____ reinforces the themes of ____, ____, and ____.

Example:
The structure of healthcare systems in different countries reinforces the themes of accessibility, cost, and quality of care.

Template 15:
The historical context of ____ shapes its representation in ____ through ____, ____, and ____.

Example:
The historical context of colonialism shapes its representation in modern political relations through economic dependency, territorial disputes, and cultural influences.

Template 16:
The relationship between ____ and ____ is defined by ____, ____, and ____.

Example:
The relationship between crime rates and economic instability is defined by unemployment, social services, and law enforcement policies.

Template 17:
The depiction of ____ in ____ serves as a reflection of ____, ____, and ____.

Example:
The depiction of gender roles in advertising serves as a reflection of societal norms, consumer behavior, and corporate interests.

Template 18:
Through an exploration of ____, ____, and ____, ____ exposes the complexity of ____.

Example:
Through an exploration of migration patterns, government policies, and economic opportunities, global labor markets expose the complexity of immigration trends.

Template 19:
A close examination of ____ reveals how ____, ____, and ____ contribute to ____.

Example:
A close examination of environmental degradation reveals how industrialization, policy failures, and consumer behavior contribute to climate change.

Template 20:
By analyzing ____, one can better understand the role of ____, ____, and ____ in ____.

Example:
By analyzing online activism, one can better understand the role of digital platforms, political engagement, and social movements in shaping public discourse.

Template 21:
The conflict between ____ and ____ in ____ demonstrates the tension created by ____, ____, and ____.

Example:
The conflict between privacy and national security in modern democracies demonstrates the tension created by surveillance laws, terrorism threats, and civil rights concerns.

Template 22:
The portrayal of ____ in ____ illustrates the complexities of ____, ____, and ____.

Example:
The portrayal of wealth distribution in capitalist societies illustrates the complexities of income inequality, taxation policies, and social mobility.

Template 23:
The transformation of ____ in ____ illustrates the impact of ____, ____, and ____ on ____.

Example:
The transformation of education systems in response to digital learning illustrates the impact of technology, accessibility, and curriculum design on student outcomes.

Template 24:
The recurring pattern of ____ in ____ emphasizes the importance of ____, ____, and ____.

Example:
The recurring pattern of political polarization in democratic elections emphasizes the importance of media bias, ideological division, and voter engagement.

Template 25:
The contrast between ____ and ____ in ____ reveals the deeper meaning behind ____.

Example:
The contrast between economic protectionism and free trade policies in global markets reveals the deeper meaning behind national interests and economic interdependence.

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]
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February 9, 2025
101 Hidden Talents Examples (2024)

A hidden talent is a skill or ability that you might have that isn’t known to many people, perhaps not even family or friends.

It’s often something people don’t expect from you because you haven’t had the opportunity to reveal it. As a result, your hidden talent might surprise people around you!

Hidden talents can range from artistic abilities to technical skills, or even unique problem-solving approaches that haven’t been shared with others. Don’t underestimate yourself – think about the things you’re good at, which you might not get credit for yet! Let’s explore some examples.

Hidden Talents Examples

1. Pattern Recognition

Many people have a knack for spotting patterns in data, behaviors, or their surroundings without realizing it. This talent allows individuals to quickly identify trends, solve problems, or predict outcomes. People with this ability often excel in fields like data analysis, art, or even storytelling, where seeing connections is key.

2. Empathic Listening

Some individuals are naturally good at understanding not just what someone is saying but also the emotions behind it. This goes beyond active listening—it’s about picking up on subtle cues like tone, body language, and unspoken emotions. Empathic listeners make others feel heard and validated, often becoming the go-to person for advice.

3. Intuitive Problem-Solving

Some people solve problems instinctively without knowing the formal processes behind it. They can think on their feet, using creativity and common sense to fix issues quickly. This talent often emerges in situations where there’s no clear solution, and their gut feeling leads them to the right answer.

4. Spatial Awareness

The ability to visualize how objects or shapes will fit into a space is a rare but valuable skill. It can be applied to fields like interior design, architecture, or even packing a car. People with strong spatial awareness can mentally manipulate objects and foresee how they’ll function in a given area.

5. Storytelling

Not everyone realizes they have the ability to capture an audience’s attention with a story, but this hidden talent is more common than we think. It’s not just about telling a tale; it’s about structuring information in a way that’s engaging, whether in writing, speech, or visuals.

6. Emotional Regulation

Some people have a natural ability to remain calm in stressful situations, managing their emotions effectively without suppressing them. This talent allows them to navigate difficult circumstances without becoming overwhelmed, making them great leaders, mediators, or caregivers.

7. Networking Without Effort

While many struggle with networking, some people effortlessly build connections wherever they go. This talent isn’t just about being extroverted—it’s about creating meaningful interactions and making people feel comfortable. These individuals excel in collaborative environments, even if they don’t realize the strength of their interpersonal skills.

Hidden Talents of Women

1. Multitasking

Many women are naturally adept at juggling multiple responsibilities simultaneously, from work tasks to managing household duties, social commitments, and family care. This ability to balance various roles often goes unnoticed because it’s seen as part of the routine, but it’s a significant hidden talent that requires focus and organization.

Learn more about multitasking here

2. Emotional Intelligence

Women often possess strong emotional intelligence, being highly attuned to the emotions of others and navigating social interactions with empathy. This ability allows them to manage relationships effectively, diffuse conflicts, and offer emotional support, making them excellent friends, partners, and leaders.

3. Community Building

Women frequently excel in fostering community and bringing people together. Whether it’s organizing social groups, advocating for local causes, or building strong support networks, women have a hidden talent for connecting individuals and cultivating a sense of belonging and solidarity.

4. Adaptability

Women often demonstrate a remarkable ability to adapt to changing circumstances, whether it’s shifting between personal and professional roles or responding to unexpected life challenges. This hidden talent allows them to remain resilient and flexible, making them effective problem-solvers in dynamic environments.

5. Non-Verbal Communication

Many women have a keen sense of non-verbal communication, such as reading body language, facial expressions, and tone. This skill often gives them an intuitive understanding of what others are feeling or thinking without explicit communication, which can be particularly useful in navigating social and professional situations.

See more: Non-verbal Communication Examples

6. Detail-Oriented Organization

Women often have an eye for detail, whether in managing tasks, organizing events, or handling complex projects. This hidden talent ensures that things run smoothly, even when juggling a lot of moving parts. Their attention to detail ensures nothing is overlooked, which can be vital in both personal and professional life.

7. Conflict Mediation

Women often excel at mediating conflicts, whether between friends, family members, or colleagues. Their talent for empathizing with multiple perspectives and finding common ground allows them to diffuse tense situations and encourage constructive dialogue, often without drawing attention to their role in resolving issues.

Hidden Talents for Students

1. Time Management

Many students develop a hidden talent for managing their time effectively, balancing school, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and social life. Even if they feel overwhelmed, their ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines is a valuable skill that often goes unnoticed.

2. Adaptability to New Technologies

Students today have a natural talent for quickly adapting to new technologies and digital platforms. Whether it’s learning new software, utilizing online tools for schoolwork, or staying connected through social media, their tech-savviness allows them to navigate digital environments effortlessly.

3. Peer Support

Many students have a hidden talent for providing emotional and academic support to their peers. Whether it’s tutoring a friend, offering advice, or simply being a good listener, students often build strong support networks without realizing the importance of their role in others’ success.

4. Creative Problem-Solving

Students frequently use creative problem-solving skills in projects, group work, or personal challenges. Whether it’s figuring out how to study more efficiently or finding innovative ways to complete assignments, their ability to think outside the box often goes unnoticed.

5. Self-Motivation

Many students develop the ability to self-motivate, pushing themselves to achieve goals without external pressure. This hidden talent comes into play when studying for exams, completing assignments, or pursuing personal projects, even when faced with distractions or fatigue.

6. Collaboration

Working in group projects, sports teams, or clubs, students often hone their ability to collaborate with others. This hidden talent helps them navigate different personalities and work styles, improving their communication and teamwork skills without being explicitly recognized.

7. Resilience

The ability to bounce back from failures or setbacks is a hidden talent that many students possess. Whether it’s dealing with a tough exam, rejection from a club, or personal challenges, their resilience helps them keep going and adapt to difficult situations. This quality is often overlooked but is crucial for long-term success.

Famous People’s Unusual Talents

1. Steve Jobs – Calligraphy

Before he became a tech icon, Steve Jobs took a calligraphy course in college, which he credited for influencing the aesthetic sense behind Apple’s typography and design. His hidden talent in understanding typefaces and design helped Apple stand out with sleek and user-friendly interfaces, from the early Mac computers to the iPhone.

2. Angelina Jolie – Knife Throwing

Angelina Jolie, known for her acting and humanitarian work, has a hidden talent for knife throwing. She developed this skill while training for action roles and has mentioned it in interviews, even showcasing it in some of her films. This surprising ability adds to her persona as someone who can embody fierce, action-packed roles effortlessly.

3. Neil deGrasse Tyson – Ballroom Dancing

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson is well-known for making science accessible to the public, but his hidden talent is ballroom dancing. In college, he was a competitive dancer, excelling in multiple styles, including Latin and standard ballroom. His agility and rhythm on the dance floor contrast with his intellectual image.

4. Margaret Thatcher – Chemistry

The “Iron Lady” of British politics, Margaret Thatcher, had a background in chemistry. Before becoming the UK’s Prime Minister, she worked as a research chemist, contributing to the development of soft-serve ice cream. Her hidden talent in science was largely overshadowed by her political career, but it reveals a sharp analytical mind.

5. Harrison Ford – Carpentry

Before landing his role as Han Solo in Star Wars, Harrison Ford was a skilled carpenter. His hidden talent for woodworking led him to build furniture for famous directors and actors, which indirectly helped him network in Hollywood. His craftsmanship reflects his practical and hands-on nature outside of acting.

6. Bob Dylan – Iron Sculpting

Aside from his iconic music career, Bob Dylan has a hidden talent for sculpting with iron. He’s an accomplished metalworker and has showcased his sculptures in exhibitions. This talent allows him to express his creativity in a different medium, showing another side of his artistic persona.

7. Serena Williams – Nail Art

Tennis star Serena Williams has a lesser-known passion for nail art. She is a certified nail technician and has expressed her love for doing nails as a way to unwind. Her hidden talent showcases her meticulous attention to detail, which likely mirrors the focus and precision she brings to the tennis court.

The Full List of 101 Hidden Talents

Conclusion

Your hidden skill is yours and yours alone! It can be anything at all, but remember, be proud of your unique and deep down hidden abilities that others might not know about. Pick your moment to reveal it in a way that might surprise and delight your friends! For more about talents, read my full guide on what is a talent?

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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August 23, 2024
How to Implement Diagnostic Assessment Examples
Diagnostic assessment examples can help ground the concepts of diagnostic assessment in education. Plus, these examples can be an effective tool in gauging student progress and comprehension of course concepts.

What is Diagnostic Assessment in Education?

An essential part of course planning for instructors to consider is how to gauge student understanding of course concepts. At the beginning of each academic term, it’s important to consider the upcoming curriculum, and how to best assess students.

Diagnostic assessment typically takes place at the start of a semester to evaluate a student’s current level of knowledge and skills and their strengths and weaknesses on a particular topic.

Similar to ipsative assessments, where professors examine students’ prior work in order to assess their current knowledge and abilities, diagnostic assessments are a type of “assessment as learning.” This is distinct from “assessments of learning” or “assessments for learning.”

Distinction Between Different Types of Assessments

Assessment for learning, also known as formative assessments, make use of information about student progress to improve and support student learning and guide instructional strategies. They are generally instructor-driven but are for student and instructor use. Assessments for learning can occur throughout the teaching and learning process, using a variety of platforms and tools. They engage instructors in providing differentiated instruction and provide feedback to students to enhance their learning.

Assessment as learning (formative assessment) involves active student reflection on learning, monitoring of their own progress by supporting students to critically analyze and evaluate their own learning. Contrarily, they are student-driven and occur throughout the learning process.

Assessment of learning (summative assessment) involves evidence of student learning to make judgments about student progress. They provide instructors with the opportunity to report evidence of meeting course objectives and typically occur at the end of a learning cycle using a variety of tools. The evaluation compares assessment information against criteria based on curriculum outcomes for the purpose of communicating to students about student progress and making informed decisions about the teaching and learning process.

What are Diagnostic Assessments Used For?

Students may write examples of diagnostic assessments to help professors gain insight into their existing awareness and capabilities both preceding and following instruction. As such, a diagnostic evaluation can be either:
- A pre-course diagnostic assessment
- A post-course diagnostic assessment
Upon completion of a post-course diagnostic assessment, a professor can compare it against the student’s pre-course diagnostic assessment for that same course and semester in order to identify possible improvements in various specific areas. Professors can then use this information to adjust and adapt their curricula to better meet the needs of future students.

Professors can utilize diagnostic assessment in education to plan individualized learning experiences for each student that provide both efficient and meaningful instruction.

Examples of Diagnostic Assessment Tools and Technologies

There are many different educational tools and technologies that enable professors and students to get instant results from learning, including Top Hat, Socrative, Kahoot, Quizziz, Mentimeter and Quizlet. Within each of these tools and technologies are several different examples of diagnostic assessments you can apply to various disciplines.

Diagnostic Assessment Examples

Diagnostic assessments can be conducted in many different ways, including as sets of written questions, such as in short answer or multiple choice form, as well as reflection exercises, long answer questions and creative projects.

In courses containing group work, useful types of diagnostic assessments may include self-assessments in which group members each rate themselves based on various guidelines. The group then collects specific samples of each member’s prior work to understand the member’s mindset that led that member to give him or herself that rating.

Different types of diagnostic assessments include:
- Anticipation guides
- Conference/interview
- Formal assessment
- Gap-closing
- Graffiti walls
- Journals
- KWL
- Mind maps
- Parallel activity
- Performance tasks
- Posters
- Quiz/test
- Student surveys
- Word splash
Below, we share examples of how diagnostic assessments can be implemented in different disciplines, as well as easy-to-use tools that streamline the assessment design process for instructors.

Diagnostic Assessment Examples for Physics

In physics courses, instructors issue a set of conceptual questions to students at the start of the semester in order to assess the students’ current understanding of the fundamentals of physics.

In certain educational disciplines, standardized diagnostic assessment examples have been developed that instructors can use for any course within that discipline. In physics, one of the most commonly used examples of diagnostic assessment is the Force Concept Inventory, which contains question sets about concepts, like gravity, velocity, mass and force, which are typically taught in a basic first-semester Newtonian physics course.

Tools for Diagnostic Assessments in Physics

Physics instructors can use Top Hat’s Polls and Quizzes feature to design diagnostic evaluations that engage students effectively. Use polls to demonstrate student understanding and see which course concepts may need further review. Frequent quizzes can be used to help students challenge themselves.

Top Hat’s surveys and polls tools include checkpoints to help break lectures up into more manageable chunks, prompt discussions and motivate students to apply what they learn. Top Hat’s in-class polls and quizzes are multimedia-rich, helping professors engage students fully in the learning and assessment process. Examples of diagnostic assessment in education using these tools include click-on-target, word answer and word matching.

Diagnostic Assessment Examples for Psychology

The professor may conduct a survey in order to evaluate assumptions students currently hold about concepts like the nature of the mind versus human behavior.

In psychology or sociology courses dealing with controversial or sensitive topics, instructors may conduct student surveys to allow learners to pose questions or potentially controversial viewpoints anonymously, allowing for more open classroom discussions and more thorough understandings of preconceived notions students might hold.

Examples of Diagnostic Assessment in Psychology Tools

Socrative is a quiz and assessment website that lets instructors design interactive quizzes particularly suitable for complex topics in psychology, like bio-psychology, criminological psychology, statistics and research methods.

D2L lets instructors create several types of diagnostic assessments for psychology, including quizzes, surveys and self-assessments.

Diagnostic Assessment Examples for Creative and Fine Arts

Instructors can also use pre-assessment and self-assessment tests to help better direct their effort to inspire their students to engage with class material by seeing what students already comprehend about the complexities of the creative process. They can also collect initial portfolios to judge fine-arts students’ artistic abilities while simultaneously conveying the course objectives.

Examples of Diagnostic Assessment in Education in Creative Arts and Fine Arts Tools

Besides allowing professors to create customized short-form quizzes, Canvas Quizzes also contains a special “Assignments” feature that lets students upload a file for assessment. This can include a piece of creative written, illustrated or even audio/visual material. That flexibility of media allows professors to examine a broader range of skills and competencies than can be assessed through simple question and answer assessments alone.

Diagnostic Assessment Examples for STEM courses

More than other subjects, math can create a particularly large amount of anxiety in students who struggle with the subject, yet it can be significantly more difficult for instructors to target math interventions for students. If math anxiety and issues with math aren’t properly identified and targeted soon enough, however, they could easily escalate into much more deeply-rooted learning problems even more challenging for students to overcome.

Diagnostic assessments help professors gauge students’ current level of competency in complex problem-solving in a number of prerequisite areas before beginning to teach them concepts intended to build upon that knowledge. This may include basic algebraic manipulations, cell cycles, solving equations and chemical equations. By implementing data-driven approaches, professors can specifically examine how students think about math and what strategies and skills they bring with them to approach a math problem.

An effective diagnostic assessment for math typically examines only one skill or set of skills at a time. That way, professors can more easily identify areas and concepts where students may be in need of further review.

Tools for Diagnostic Assessments in STEM courses

Top Hat offers a suite of secure tests and exam features that allow instructors to create diagnostic assessments for both in-person and online learning settings with equal ease and efficiency. Whether remote and proctored diagnostic assessment for math or on-premise and open book diagnostic assessment for math, Top Hat’s secure tests and exams feature lets you choose from 14 different question types or access the Top Hat Catalog and select from a variety of pre-made test banks for mathematics diagnostic assessment.

For online testing, you can verify identities and devices, monitor activity and receive reports flagging irregular behavior. You can create, deploy and receive exams all in one place and have the exams auto-graded. Helping make mathematics diagnostic assessment easier, you can also customize question types and assignment settings and you can let students upload mathematics diagnostic assessment projects as PDF files, spreadsheets and slide presentations.

Key Examples of Diagnostic Assessments

Unit Pretests

Unit pretests are a type of diagnostic evaluation tool that does not involve students receiving any grades. Instead, unit pretests are a diagnostic test in education example of how to determine a student’s awareness of a certain unit or module of learning within a larger course before proceeding to learn it. This type of diagnostic test in education example may include multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blank questions, as opposed to those of a more open-ended nature. For best use of these examples of a diagnostic test in education, unit pretests are most effective when concentrated on the core skill or concept for students to understand rather than the finer minutiae of the subject matter.

Exit Tickets

Exit tickets are a straightforward example of how to most effectively gauge student understanding after teaching a lesson, when you’re looking to see how effectively your students have met the objectives for that lesson or unit.

Instructors ask students a simple question relating to a key concept taught in the lesson they’ve just concluded. Students jot down their answers on a “ticket” they deliver to the instructor upon their “exit” from the classroom. This allows instructors to adapt and adjust their curriculum for the following lesson or semester to align actual exit ticket results more closely with desired outcomes.

Conclusion

Diagnostic assessment examples like these provide instructors insights that help them to better create curricula customized to their students’ current level of knowledge, skills, strengths and weaknesses and, thereby, to better aid their students in achieving the objectives of the course. Likewise, professors can apply examples of diagnostic assessment in education like these after teaching a lesson or course in order to determine how well the objectives for that lesson or course were met and, based on that information, better strategize and adapt the curriculum for the next lesson or course.

As these diagnostic assessment examples show, diagnostic evaluations are generally informal and simple to use. They typically require no high-level training to create and don’t require following any standardized protocol. Instructors can alter or more finely tune their assessment methods any time they wish. Instructors can share what they discover through the various types of diagnostic assessments they use with their peers quickly and easily. These examples of diagnostic tests in education and others like them work for any discipline and, most importantly, once applied with the right tools and technologies, diagnostic assessments in education show fast and efficient results.

Tagged as:

Diagnostic Assessment Examples, Student Assessment
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May 16, 2024
Three Examples of Interactive Syllabi (Designed with Open Educational Resources from a University Library)
Last week, I had the opportunity to present at the Open Education Conference. It was virtual and the content was definitely interesting!

My session was held on Monday, October 18 • 3:45pm – 4:25pm and it was titled, “Designing an Interactive OER Syllabus as an Equitable Practice”.

During the session, I talked about my interactive OER syllabus and I had the opportunity to network with some amazing colleagues. One of the amazing faculty members from my institution attended as well – shout out to Dr. Trina Geye!

I am passionate about open educational resources and I like fact that OERs can save students money. This is very important for our Texas college students. Open Educational Resources are equitable resources!

Here are the notes from the presentation:

I know some of you are wondering WHY I incorporate OERs instead of textbooks for my courses…. This is why…
Day-One Access/No-Cost (Equitable)

Easier for the Student

Mobile Access

Linkable to Canvas

Easier for the Professor (Updates/Changes)
I always emphasize partnering with the library to find additional educational resources. Here are some starting points!
Podcast Links

Guides from Prior Semesters (Student Approved Work)

YouTube Videos

Database Article Links

E-Books

Lib Guides
As you transition from semester-to-semester, I always recommend this checklist for “refreshing” your OER syllabus:
Check Your Links

Check for More Relevant Resources

Develop a Pre and Post Semester Checklist

Integrate Your OER Endeavors with Research

In fact, here’s a copy of my OER syllabi:
I also design a syllabus and Canvas tour for my students to help them become more familiar with the content.

Students in my classes (both graduate and undergraduate students) REALLY enjoy the free resources and they are also “more up-to-date” than a traditional textbook.

Have any questions about OERs? Contact me.

***

Enjoy!

Check out my book – Retaining College Students Using Technology: A Guidebook for Student Affairs and Academic Affairs Professionals.

Remember to order copies for your team as well!

Thanks for visiting!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards
Professor of Communication

Executive Director of the Texas Social Media Research Institute & Rural Communication Institute
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October 28, 2021