1. ASSESSMENT STRATEGY – INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
ELAINE BEER
Director of Adult Nursing Studies
Deputy Head of School

2. Introduction Introduction
Student survey – issues raised in relation to feedback
T & F Group established – Programme Managers and Directors
All documentation related to assessment within the school, reviewed and revised
Assessment strategy and implementation plan now revised ready for implementation September 2007

3. Overview of Content Principles for Academic Supervision (UG & PG)
Student feedback
Protocol for extensions
Marking procedure
Unfair practice procedure
Special Circumstances Committee
New and revised forms

4. Principles for Academic Supervision
Tutorials
Appointments
Theoretical and Clinical assessments
Change of personal tutor
Documentation
etiquette
Emergency pastoral support
These were drawn up on the request of staff
They have been subject to considerable consultation – my thanks to Georgina Hourahane who volunteered to complete the document and incorporate everyone’s comments into the paper.
The purpose of these principles is to facilitate and encourage self-direction and intellectual independence of students.

5. Protocol for Extensions
To provide academic staff with:
guidance as to what constitutes extenuating circumstances that would require an extension
Documentation to be produced
The extension period that can be granted
If a situation is ongoing students should be advised to submit ‘extenuating circumstances’ to the Chair of the Special Circumstances Committee.
Forms to be completed

6. Marking Procedure School must conform to ONE method of double marking:
Double blind – ( all scripts) 1st and 2nd marker have no idea of each others marks until the marking process is completed
Double marking – (all scripts) 2nd marker is aware of 1st markers assessment
Double blind sample marking – sample of assessed work marked by 2nd marker who is not aware of 1st markers assessment
Combination used across the school to accommodate ONE of the principles above

7. Marking Procedure (cont)
All degree work must be subject to some type of double marking
All dissertations must be double blind marked
All assignments must be marked anonymously other than dissertations

8. Student Feedback
Students must be provided with oral or written feedback
Student feedback form is based on the marking form
It must be completed by the first marker and contain an amalgamation of the 1st and 2nd markers comments and the agreed mark
This involves the completion of (in some cases) 3 forms: 1st marker form, 2nd marker form, student feedback form (amalgamation of comments and agreed mark)

9. Student Feedback (cont)
It is the student’s responsibility to obtain feedback
Feedback to students should take place prior to the submission of further assessments
Feedback may also take place through clinical mentors, peers etc.

10. Special Circumstances Committee
Meet on a monthly basis
Consider students’ written reports of special/extenuating circumstances
Report decisions to relevant examination boards
Relevant documentary evidence must be provided
Forms to be completed

11. Examination Board Conventions
Module/Subject Examining Boards
Award/Composite Examining Boards
Publication of results
Marking
No personal teacher should be in the position of supporting an appeal to the University

12. Unfair Practice Procedure
School Procedure
Marker identifies suspected case
Complete short report and provide evidence to support allegation
Ascertain student name and address – send report and contact details to the UPC
Inform SAO that assessment is being referred to the UPC (Dianne Watkins, Deputy Gail Williams)
UPC will arrange an interview with student and person referring within 10 days of referral
Interview takes place and report written by UPC
Report sent to the chair of the appropriate exam board who makes a decision as to the course of action for the student

13. Unfair Practice Procedure
If satisfied that unfair practice has taken place chair may:
Take no further action
Advise student to undertake study skills and warn student of consequences of a further referral
Require student to undertake study skills (as appropriate) and set work to zero
Refer to University Committee of Enquiry where the offence is considered serious or 2nd offence

14. Unfair Practice (cont)
All students must be advised of unfair practice, its definition and consequences
Information on unfair practice and avoidance of plagiarism must be present in student programme/module handbooks
This should also be covered verbally

15. New and Revised Forms
Tutorial Supervision Record
Marking Forms

16. Tutorial Supervision Record
Records of supervision MUST be kept on all students
Name of student and name of supervisor
Date and time of tutorial
Record of discussion
Agreed action
Student signature
Supervisors signature