Students sit at a table with different projects spread out among them.

Choose-your-own-adventure assessments: A flexible approach to measuring learning

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Our student populations are evolving, and we’re seeing that traditional “one-size-fits-all” assessments are becoming recognized as less effective. As students’ learning experiences shift—and as some feel less confident with conventional testing formats—they need assessments that provide them with more flexibility and support to demonstrate what they know.

Three different paths with a person on each one, all lead to the same destinationChoose Your Own Adventure (CYOA) assessments respond to this need by giving students structured choices in how they demonstrate their learning. Instead of relying on a single format, we invite students to select from multiple pathways, all aligned to the same learning goals and standards. This allows us to maintain academic rigor while increasing engagement, ownership, and equity. 

This approach is grounded in the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). When we apply UDL, we intentionally design assessments that offer multiple ways for students to engage with content and express their understanding. By building in choice, accessibility, and clear expectations from the start, we create more equitable opportunities for all students to succeed—not just those who thrive in traditional formats. 

In a CYOA model, we can ask students to choose between options that are supported by consistent criteria so that expectations remain clear and comparable. We’re not changing what students learn; we’re changing how they can demonstrate it, allowing them to build on their strengths while still meeting course standards. 

Creating CYOA Assessments 

Regardless of the discipline, for the CYOA method to work well, all options should include: 

  • The same learning goals and competencies 
  • Different choices for how students demonstrate their learning  
  • A shared rubric to keep grading consistent 

Regardless of the option a student chooses, there needs to be one rubric that identifies the core skills and learning outcomes for the assessments. That rubric provides both transparency for expectations and grading, regardless of project format. 

Assessment Examples 

Here are examples of assessment criteria and options across different disciplines. 

Writing-Focused Assessment 

  • Key criteria 
    • Understanding of the text 
    • Use of evidence 
    • Depth of analysis 
  • Ways to show learning 
    • Traditional essay 
    • Video essay 
    • Podcast episode 

Equation-Focused Assessment 

  • Key criteria 
    • Accuracy 
    • Method selection 
    • Mathematical reasoning 
  • Ways to show learning 
    • Traditional problem set 
    • Peer instruction (live or recorded) 
    • Real-world application task 

Scientific Process Explanation Assessment 

  • Key criteria 
    • Scientific accuracy 
    • Use of vocabulary 
    • Clarity of explanation 
  • Ways to show learning 
    • Scientific report 
    • Visual infographic 
    • Narrated video 

CYOA Assessment Outcomes 

When implemented effectively, CYOA assessments produce several consistent outcomes across diverse learning environments:

  • Student sits at table in library with laptop in front of her as she write in a notebookIncreased student motivation and engagement: When students have choices, they take greater ownership of their learning and often produce more thoughtful work. 
  • Greater equity and inclusivity: Students bring different strengths, backgrounds, and ways of expressing understanding, and flexible assessments allow more of them to succeed authentically.  
  • Reduced student anxiety: Moving away from single high-stakes exams and offering multiple ways to demonstrate knowledge reduces pressure during assessment.  
  • Stronger alignment with real-world skills: Students communicate ideas through presentations, multimedia, or applied projects—formats they are more likely to encounter beyond the classroom. 

Taken together, these outcomes illustrate how structured choice can strengthen both the learning experience and the validity of assessment.

Final Thoughts 

Once you begin implementing the CYOA assessment method, gather student feedback early and often. Their input will help you refine the clarity of the rubric and improve the range and quality of options offered. 

One of the key strengths of this approach is its flexibility. It allows students to demonstrate their learning in ways that extend beyond traditional essays and exams (formats that can be challenging for those who require accessibility accommodations). By offering multiple pathways, you create more equitable opportunities for students to show what they know. 

As you develop more advanced versions of this assessment, consider giving students greater autonomy to design their own projects. In these cases, students can align elements of their work with established learning outcomes, deepening both engagement and understanding. This approach is particularly effective in capstone courses or in contexts where students are building skills in project management or instruction. 

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