Engaging students with assessment and feedback
This online course is for academics interested in improving their assessment and feedback practice.
As a key driver of student learning it is important that our assessment practices are effective, yet it is clear that this is not the case in many HE contexts.
The course is based on a theoretical model of assessment called the social constructivist process model. This model hinges on the importance of student engagement with assessment. Included in the model is an argument for several fundamental reconceptualisations of assessment and feedback compared with current approaches.
The course builds on the work of the Assessment Standards and Knowledge exchange (ASKe), a Centre for Excellence in assessment. It is led by Professor Chris Rust, an internationally renowned expert in assessment in higher education, and Dr Greg Benfield, Staff and Educational Development Consultant.
Using practical examples, including case studies, Chris and Greg will encourage you to explore how, in your own courses, you might involve students at key points in the assessment process.
Aims
This short course aims to support you to:
- develop your theoretical understanding of assessment processes
- recognise the need to reconceptualise assessment practices and approaches
- recognise assessment as a relational process
- see how courses can be redesigned to increase engagement of students in assessment processes and practices
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of this course you should be able to:
- explain the social constructivist assessment process model
- redesign your assessment practices in light of that model
- design dialogic feedback processes
- implement effective peer and self assessment in your assessment practices
Course participants
This course is designed for any course leader who is responsible for course design and/or assessment. Senior policymakers with responsibility for assessment practices would also find it important and useful. The course will be most satisfying and practical if you have recent experience in assessment design and practice.
Reliable and regular access to internet services is a pre-requisite, broadband is an added advantage and we welcome international participants.
Learning and teaching activities
The course has been designed to be active and participatory. As a participant, you are expected to play an active part in the course.
During the online activities you will be expected to work through some guided readings, record your thoughts, analyse your own assessment practices, share your work with others in your group, discuss your work and that of other members of your group, analyse and summarise your findings. Each week your role will change a little; some weeks you might be asked to just share your own experiences, in another you could put forward a proposal on behalf of your group, and in another you might act as a critical friend to another colleague.
You will require access to the Internet for 4-6 hours per week in order to participate.
You will be provided with a course text: Falchikov, N. (2005). Improving Assessment through Student Involvement: Practical Solutions for Aiding Learning in Higher and Further Education. London: RoutledgeFarmer
Assessment
OCSLD online courses are not formally assessed or accredited. We do offer Certificates of Attendance to those who participate in each of the course's main learning activities.
