Assessing student centred courses

Assessing student centred courses can be extremely difficult. The value placed on student autonomy and flexibility is often at odds with concerns for rigour and standards. This book is based on an extensive study undertaken by an experienced team of assessment specialsts. The study analysed assessment problems and collated examples of best practice in student centred assessmentin an attempt to bring rigour and academic acceptability to what is sometimes perceived as a soft option for students. After an introductory chapter exploring the most important problems and issues, eight chapters each address a different type of student centred assessment:

1. Assessing group work
2. Assessing diaries, logs and journals
3. Using projects
4. Assessing skills and competencies
5. Using learning contracts and negotiated assignments
6. Using self and peer assessment
7. Using profiles
8. Using portfolios

Each chapter introduces the variety of purposes of each method of assessment, explains practical matters concerning use of the method and explores key issues which emerge through their use. Case studies then illustrate each method in a wide variety of settings. A bibliography is provided for each assessment method.