Designing and developing a programme-focused assessment strategy: a case study. (3rd May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brunton, James; Brown, Mark; Costello, Eamon; Walsh, Elaine
• Is Part Of: Open learning. Volume 31:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: 176
• Page End: 187
• Publication Date: 2016-05-03
• Subjects: Higher Education -- assessment strategy -- Assessment Matrix -- quality assurance -- learning outcomes; Distance education -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 371.35
• DOI: 10.1080/02680513.2016.1187593
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0268-0513

Abstract

Abstract: This case study describes the process that the Humanities Programme Team, in Dublin City University's Open Education Unit, has undertaken with regard to developing a systematic, programme-focused assessment strategy. It charts the development of an Assessment Matrix that facilitated the enhancement of programme coherence in the context of a distributed modular provision model, and facilitated the use of an appropriate range and scaffolding of assessment types in relation to learning outcomes. To conclude, four recommendations on developing a programme-focused assessment strategy are presented: explicitly link assessments to both programme and module learning outcomes; provide adequate supports and resources for those designing and writing assessments; provide those Assessment Writers with appropriate professional development, as well as an opportunity to be part of an assessment writing community; and to embed a programme-focused assessment strategy into a programme's quality assurance processes.