Assessing for Learning

Assessment at UWS guides and encourages effective student approaches to learning. It validly, reliably and fairly measures student performance of expected learning outcomes, as well as defining and maintaining academic standards.

From the students’ point of view, assessment defines the actual curriculum and clarifies the content that is important in the unit. Assessment contributes directly to the way students approach their study. At UWS, student feedback provided through the Student Satisfaction Survey (SSR) and the Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) in 2004 and 2006 indicates students’ recognition that assessment is a critical aspect of their learning experience at university. SSR and CEQ feedback identifies a need for university teachers to improve the ways in which assessment expectations are communicated and feedback on performance is provided. Feedback also confirms that students want assessment to focus on what really counts in subsequent professional or disciplinary work.

Many teaching staff at UWS are examining and redesigning their assessment tasks and associated practices to promote student learning as an integral part of the assessing process. Staff are developing creative methods to assess student learning in their discipline, often focusing on preparing students for their anticipated professional futures as well as preparing them to continue learning in the fast changing modern environment.

This site showcases some of the quality assessment practices designed by UWS staff from a range of Schools and disciplines. The site also provides links to external sites showcasing assessment projects.