Efficiency and Effectiveness in Assessment: Challenging Times Student Assessment and Classification Working Group (SACWG) Marie Stowell

Context: Assessment is key ‘Students can escape bad teaching; they can’t escape bad assessment’ David Boud (1995) Enhancing learning through self assessment. Student Assessment and Classification Working Group (SACWG)

Challenging Times New fees and regulatory context Student number controls and access targets KIS and students as consumers Alternative providers and partnerships: competition and collaboration Flexible and new pedagogies and technologies Risk-based quality assurance Student Assessment and Classification Working Group (SACWG)

Assessment is a ‘hot topic’ Academic standards (QAA, 2009; HEFCE, 2009; IUSSC, 2009; Brown, 2011) Credit, flexibility and funding (QAA, HEFCE, CVU) External examiners and institutional review (UUK, 2011, QAA, 2011) Good practice (eg Price et al. 2010; Nicol/QAA, 2009; Gibbs, 2010; NUS, 2010) Performance indicators and public information (HEFCE, 2009 and 2010) Student satisfaction (Williams and Kane, 2008; HEFCE, 2011) Student Assessment and Classification Working Group (SACWG)

SACWG research Institutional regulations, processes and procedures Degree classification Reassessment Enigmatic variations –Passing and failing –Progression –Achievement See Yorke et al. 2002, 2004 and 2008 Student Assessment and Classification Working Group (SACWG)

Efficiency in assessment Student success, retention and completion Costs Over-assessment? Pass first time Take up of reassessment Moderation and external examining Student Assessment and Classification Working Group (SACWG)

Effectiveness of assessment Student learning, differentiation and satisfaction Assessment strategies: course versus module Assessment for learning: formative assessment and feedback Quality assurance Student Assessment and Classification Working Group (SACWG)

Some current challenges: efficiency Regulatory frameworks Academic year: timing of assessment + reassessment Managing re-assessment Re-thinking reassessment? On-line submission Use of Plagiarism software Quality assurance of assessment Student Assessment and Classification Working Group (SACWG)

Some current challenges: effectiveness Course assessment strategies Inclusive assessment Variety, choice versus competence and practice Assessment criteria and assignment briefs Re-thinking reassessment? Professionalising assessment practice Student perceptions Student Assessment and Classification Working Group (SACWG)