Our work on assessment and feedback supports the sector, as we advise on policy and strategy, develop resources, and coordinate a series of activities to identify and share effective practice. We work with institutions and their students to improve their approaches to assessment and feedback, including setting criteria and emphasising the importance of assessment for learning. You can find out more, including information on our Academic Integrity Service, at our Assessment and Feedback page which is part of our Resources Centre.
2010-11 projects
Emergent Learning Outcomes: acknowledging complexity for liberated learning in International Politics (Aberystwyth University)
A project funded by the HEA's Sociology, Anthropology and Politics (CSAP) Subject Centre in 2010-11 at Aberystwyth University to investigate the traditional model of intended learning outcomes (ILOs) and, using the relatively new paradigm of Complex Adaptive Systems. The project considered whether Hussey & Smith's model of emergent learning outcomes (ELOs) can be better utilised to enhance the cohesiveness of student modularised learning and expand the boundaries of knowledge par excellence.
The project ran in three stages. Firstly, analysing and benchmarking existing modules against the QAA's own guidelines on learning outcomes in relation to the Academic Infrastructure. Secondly, gathering student input and responses to the concept of emergent learning. Thirdly, considering whether emergent learning outcomes are a feasible addition to the module planning and assessment process, as well as theorising on a broader concept of a ‘liberated / liberal learner'. Click here for the headline results and also a link to the full report.
Assessment & Feedback workshops at Swansea Metropolitan University
In April 2010, Professor Brenda Smith hosted two workshops focusing on Assessment & Feedback at Swansea Metropolitan University. The following article was written by Mark Cocks, the Head of the School of Photography and Video.
The Faculty hosted a workshop focusing on Assessment and Feedback by Professor Brenda Smith. Feedback to students has regularly been an area of concern for Art & Design nationally, as highlighted by the National Student Survey (NSS) results, and therefore the workshops presented important issues that our Faculty needs to consider.
The morning session allowed all of the photography staff to come together and discuss relevant issues with Brenda. This department focused exercise highlighted some interesting concerns for the team, but also in many ways underlined just how well the team are engaging with the issue of assessment and feedback. This was particularly evident in terms of individual feedback tutorials and the use of written forms for the students to take away with them.
However, there were of course some areas the team needed to reflect on, for instance, the critique as a learning experience and using new technology to enhance the flow of feedback.
The afternoon session was opened up to the rest of the Faculty staff and the students' union, which generated a more expansive discussion of the issues. It was especially useful to get student participation in the workshop exercises and general dialogues.
The day proved to be very successful for all the participants and gave us the rare opportunity to reflect on what we do, why we do it and how the students respond to it. We are already planning a follow up event in the next academic year.
