How I Complete a Performance Assessment (Paper) in One Day | Western Governors University #WGU

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𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺: I completed the MSc Curriculum and Instruction in under 6 months

I wanted to share a little bit about how I completed a course at WGU so efficiently. I should mention that this video is referring to performance-based assessments (papers), as opposed to objective-based assessments (tests).

When I'm approaching a performance assessment, the first thing I do is review the rubric and make sure I understand exactly what's expected of me. Then I'll usually start by brainstorming ideas and jotting down notes about what I want to include in my response.

As I begin writing, I try to be very clear and deliberate about how I'm organizing my thoughts. I like to "signpost" my writing by explicitly stating what I'm going to cover in each section, and then summarizing my main points at the end of each chunk. This helps both the reader and the evaluator understand what to expect and ensures that I'm covering all of the required content.

Once I've finished writing, I'll print everything out and do a final read-through on paper to catch any errors or issues that I might have missed on the computer screen. Then I'll upload my final product to the submission portal, usually as a PDF.

My strategy is to be methodical and deliberate in my approach, and to make sure I'm following the rubric closely to ensure that I'm meeting all of the requirements.

𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲: 𝗜'𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗪𝗚𝗨.

Timecodes
00:00 – Intro
00:47 – Setting up my document
02:02 – Reviewing task criteria and priming myself
04:10 – Working in “chunks” and looking closer at textbook
06:10 – Brainstorming ideas and noting details
07:32 – Free-writing
08:34 – Reviewing my work critically and filling in the missing details
09:54 – Reading for revisions and ensuring I “signposted”
12:03 – Getting submission ready
14:00 – Thanks for watching

[lifebyjustin]

Timecodes
00:00​ – Intro
00:47​ – Setting up my document
02:02​ – Reviewing task criteria and priming myself
04:10​ – Working in “chunks” and looking closer at textbook
06:10​ – Brainstorming ideas and noting details
07:32​ – Free-writing
08:34​ – Reviewing my work critically and filling in the missing details
09:54​ – Reading for revisions and ensuring I “signposted”
12:03​ – Getting submission ready
14:00​ – Thanks for watching

[triciamartin]

This is the exact method that I use to write papers. Thank you for making a video about this. It's good to know it works for other people in WGU. Another recommendation is to hit on the items that they want you to cover with the same word or with similar wording to how they want you to describe it. Like if they want you to cover weaknesses, specifically state that "Weaknesses are..." or something really close to that, just be careful of plagiarizing. It adds up fast. Good luck!

[jamda]

Anyone Writing any WGU class needs to watch this video and learn from the great walkthrough on what is helpful and productive. Great Video!!

[shar]

Finally, a video that does what it says it will do. Thank you! Good tips ....

[zohralokhandwala]

Your video was so helpful in writing my first performance assessment . I was so nervous to start but your tips are so useful and made it easy for me and guess what I loved the way you justify it by saying literally ‘I am writing about ‘ Thank you ! I just got my evaluation and I passed competent !

[danielpeoples]

Excellent advice! Thank you for taking the time to outline your process.

[lizcoronejo]

Thank you for this. I just started WGU this month and passed my first PA task one. Now waiting for my task 2 results. I will use your methods from now on. Thanks again.

[Stusgirl]

Fabulous great information! Sounds like you really have a great method. I am working on my MSN have 5 more classes at a online and brick and mortar program.

[maryalexander]

Thank you sooo much for outlining your process and give me a different perspective! Great informative video! Appreciate you!

[jbabie]

Thanks for the tips. I'm starting MBA in couple days and trying to plan how to tackle the performance assessments.

[ttkwsrk]

This is exactly what I do, but hadn't really thought about it this way. First course and 3 task finished in 4 days.

[jessicazantal]

Goods tips ! Thanks I think that leaving room for creativity helps then to revise.

[chubb]

This video was very helpful and detailed. Thank you

[patriciaikeda]

Hello, I was wondering do you have any advice for paper writing? I am going back to school and i haven't written in this style for years. Any videos you would recommend or websites? BTW I love your videos, very educational and helpful.

[deb]

Great advice! I’ll be starting soon and will use your guidelines.

Did I understand correctly: the submission portal checks papers for plagiarism before submission? If so, this is great. I’m concerned about my own work being flagged after I’ve worked hard on it.

What if I happen to word something similarly to someone else 😮? It’s very possible when talking about the same subject. I hope I’m overthinking it.

[kenny]

So are performance assessments not proctored and sit down like the objectives?

[martinegordon]

Good morning Justin,
I pray all is well. Your video are very informative and I love the fact you are sharing your process. I just started WGU and for the life of me I am not understanding uploading work in one note. I want to turn in my work but I am having a hard time. Can you walk me through please if you don't mind I would really appreciate it dearly.

[shady]

Nice video. I just have a few questions if you don't mind. Does WGU require a specific writing format in their assessments? Like APA, MLA, etc?
Also, how exactly do you pass a class? By doing every single assessment and exam?
I haven't done WGU yet, but I will in the future, so I'm trying to inquire as much information as possible.

[kirstenpearce]

Hi!! So I am working to obtain my masters in education with initial licensure. I’m not a teacher and am coming from a totally different field. I’ve been struggling with comparing theories to my experience. Advice ?

[rmb]

Seriously, some of the modules to the tasks are so crappy that it is hard to tell exactly what they want in the Tasks. They simply aren't worth a damn when it comes to examples.