INNOVATION IN ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK: ENHANCING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Year 2015, Volume: 3 , 102 - 106, 01.09.2015

Elizabeth Adamson Brian Webster

Abstract

This study utilised TESTA (Transforming the experience
of students through assessment) to examine assessment and feedback processes
and practices within nursing and midwifery under graduate programmes of study
at Edinburgh Napier University (UK). TESTA is a tried and tested process that
uses validated tools and has been widely accepted by Higher Education
Institutes worldwide. Three triangulated methodologies are used to gather data
related to current assessment and feedback practice through an audit and the
student voice is heard by means of a questionnaire and focus groups. The
results of our TESTA approach demonstrated that students experienced mainly
summative assessments and a wide range of assessment type yet failed to see the
value of some forms of assessment. The findings also demonstrated that students
were unclear about goals and standards expected of them and were dissatisfied
with the quality and quantity of feedback they received. The study initiated a
dialogue amongst staff and served as a catalyst for appropriate changes in
assessment and feedback practice within the current programmes. Groups of staff
worked on specific priorities within the data and the outcomes of this informed
the design and development of a new curriculum.

Keywords

assessment, feedback, student experience, enhancement, innovation

References

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