Students view assessment as the most significant component of their course and, as a result, utilize it to structure and direct their learning: The UK National Student Survey in recent years has shown that the assessment process rates as the least favourable among students learning experience (Price, Carroll, O’Donovan, & Rust, 2011) and as such, it is imperative that assessment be handled in a way that recognizes the variety of interconnected issues and concerns, given its significance.

Traditional exams often fail to capture the full scope of competencies required in animation, which integrates both practical execution and creative conceptualization. Lessons from this research show that in creative disciplines like animation, where divergent thinking, technical skills, and artistic expression are key, diverse assessment methods are critical. The survey further demonstrates widespread student support for varied assessments, highlighting their benefits in fostering creativity, engagement, skills development, and individual learning styles.

By incorporating various assessments like portfolios, peer reviews, presentations, and reflective essays, etc., educators can better evaluate not only technical skills but also creativity and problem-solving abilities (Biggs, Tang, & Kennedy, 2022). For instance, a final animation project can showcase technical prowess, while a reflective essay allows students to articulate their creative journey and thought processes (Race, 2001). Similarly, peer assessments can further develop students' critical thinking and collaborative skills, essential in professional creative environments (Boud & Falchikov, 2007).

The survey underscores that a variety of assessment methods could potentially enable students to engage with the learning process more dynamically, thereby improving both engagement and outcomes. It is the opinion of the researcher that this multi-modal assessment approach could ensure a more comprehensive evaluation of skills, support students' individual strengths and learning preferences.