An elevator pitch is a very short presentation (usually 30-90 seconds) in which students summarize an idea, solution, or project in a clear and convincing way. This method is relevant when you want to assess communication skills, creativity, application of knowledge, and the ability to prioritize key information. It’s particularly suitable for entrepreneurship, project-based courses, or situations where students must learn to grab attention quickly.
- Purpose of assessment
- Application | Skills
- Mode of assessment
- Oral | Presentation
- Assessment environment
- Off-site assessment | On campus | Remote
- Group size
- Small | Medium
- Assessment duration
- Short
Step-by-step plan
Step 1: From learning objectives to assessment
Determine whether the chosen form of assessment matches the knowledge and/or skills you aim to measure, as described in your learning objectives.
This method is suitable if you wan tot assess persuasive communication, audience awareness, ability to prioritize and condense complex ideas etc. Does a 1-2 minute spoken pitch authentically show the student’s understanding, reasoning, and communication skills related to the learning objective?
Step 2: Assessment matrix
Define the assessment criteria and determine how they are distributed across the learning objectives. Ensure this distribution aligns with the weighting in your assessment plan. Indicate how many points each criterion is worth. Make sure the cognitive level of each criterion matches the level of the corresponding learning objective, never exceeding it. Lower-level criteria are allowed, as long as they still measure the intended learning outcomes.
Step 3: Create the rubric
Develop a grading rubric that translates assessment criteria into observable performance. Choose a type that fits the assignment and purpose (e.g., holistic, analytic, single-point). A clear rubric ensures transparency for students and consistent grading, and can be refined iteratively to align with learning objectives. Think of assessment criteria such as clarity of the message, persuasiveness, and relevance and fesibility of ideas, structure and coherence, audience connection and delivery.
Ensure the grading matches the learning objectives: if assessing analysis, focus on how the student presents and supports their argument, not just delivery style.
Can two assessors independently reach the same judgment using the rubric?
Step 4: Design the task & set the rules
Define what students must pitch (e.g., a research proposal, product idea, or solution). Furthermore, communicate the time limit (max. 1-2 minutes) and define their audience.
Share examples of successful pitches. Encourage students to draft their pitch, rehearse (for example in pairs or small groups), and refine wording and timing.
Step 5: Organize logistics
Schedule the pitches and communicate the format (live in class, online, or recorded). Prepare any tools or props needed (slides, visuals, or handouts), also make sure when tools are not allowed. This is especially important when the pitches are online (think about GenAI).
Decide on the audience: teacher only, peers, or an external panel.
Step 6: Pitch delivery
Students present live, online or recorded. Keep it strictly timed to ensure fairness.
Step 7: Grading
Rate the pitch using the assessment criteria. Provide immediate, constructive feedback. Encourage students to reflect on their own performance and how they could improve for future presentations. Optionally, include peer feedback for collaborative learning and reflection.
Step 8: Evaluation and reflection
Reflect on whether the pitch met the learning objectives and gather insights for improving the activity next time.
Practicality
- Schedule time slots efficiently, or use recorded submissions for larger groups. For online formats, ensure technology is tested in advance.
Engagement with (Gen)AI
- Clarify what AI use is allowed for, for example idea generation or visuals, but not for drafting the script. Clarify if they should reflect on AI’s role.Adding a Q&A or interactive element after the pitch can probe deeper understanding without the help of AI.
Inclusivity
- Offer options such as recorded pitches or smaller audience presentations to accommodate to diverse student needs.
- Video Pitch: students record and submit their pitch digitally, allowing for rehearsal and editing.
- Group Pitch: a team presents a joint idea, with roles divided and assessed individually or collectively.
- Poster Pitch: students combine a visual poster with a short oral explanation.
- Peer Pitch: students pitch to classmates in rotating small groups or pairs, receiving immediate peer feedback.
- Pitch Competition: multiple students or teams pitch to a panel (teacher, peers, or external experts).
- Elevator Pitch with Q&A: after the pitch, students answer questions to demonstrate deeper understanding.
You can find different variations of a presentation assessment method on TestEUR.
