Assessment methods for Science & Engineering assignments Assessment method Characteristics Compliance with Positive features Negative features Best for…? quality criteria (with solutions) Set exercises e.g Marked by tutor Validity Easy to control content Can be unimaginative and In Diplomas where Dependent on questions and outcomes through uninteresting (place progression is to HE examination or test. Specific questions being linked to AC and closed questions questions into relevant programmes where high Specific, open and grading criteria. context, link to other units levels of closed questions for Questions open or closed Extent of challenge can be where data is collected) scientific/engineering Reliability and consistency immediate response. controlled through use of knowledge is required as With a well-planned Immediate response open or closed questions Too much assessed at one a pre-requisite. marking scheme should required time (increase the number be a high level Fewer problems over of short time constrained Where authenticity is Fitness for purpose Stressful for students meeting deadline for assessments to spread the paramount. Dependent on diploma completion load, do in class to reduce and progression routes Formal assessment e.g. stress, build a portfolio) involved and relevance of exam Authenticity assured assessment strategy Stressful for students Inclusivity Informal assessment e.g. With a marking scheme (allow access to formulae Dependent on questions, quiz reliability and consistency sheets during assessment, use of language, a high. have a flexible time limit, sufficiency of time, Time constrained pre-assessment questions appropriateness to The use of open questions in draft test etc) diploma Set date and time leads to an “approach or Authenticity process based focus” Closed questions can lead Should be high Independent completion which is more useful in to “answer based focus” real situations. only (include open Regulated/controlled questions) Sufficiency situation and responses Opportunities for either Question should be at open or closed book Can lead to over level 3, but not above. Can be numerically assessment and use of assessment e.g.one marked supporting information question per AC or part of Currency e.g. formulae sheets etc. AC.(use problem solving Consistent with current questions AC skills can be thinking and practice in Good practice for HE. demonstrated the subject area.
Assessment methods for Science & Engineering assignments Assessment method Characteristics Compliance with quality criteria Positive features Negative features (with solutions) Best for…? Set exercises e.g examination or test. Specific, open and closed questions for immediate response. Marked by tutor Specific questions Questions open or closed Immediate response required Stressful for students Formal assessment e.g. exam Informal assessment e.g. quiz Time constrained Set date and time Independent completion Regulated/controlled situation and responses Can be numerically marked Validity Dependent on questions being linked to AC and grading criteria. Easy to control content and outcomes through closed questions Extent of challenge can be controlled through use of open or closed questions Fewer problems over meeting deadline for completion Authenticity assured With a marking scheme reliability and consistency high. The use of open questions leads to an “approach or process based focus” which is more useful in real situations. Opportunities for either open or closed book assessment and use of supporting information e.g. formulae sheets etc. Good practice for HE. Can be unimaginative and uninteresting (place questions into relevant context, link to other units where data is collected) Too much assessed at one time (increase the number of short time constrained assessments to spread the load, do in class to reduce stress, build a portfolio) Stressful for students (allow access to formulae sheets during assessment, have a flexible time limit, pre-assessment questions in draft test etc) Closed questions can lead to “answer based focus” only (include open questions) Can lead to over assessment e.g.one question per AC or part of AC.(use problem solving questions AC skills can be demonstrated In Diplomas where progression is to HE programmes where high levels of scientific/engineering knowledge is required as a pre-requisite. Where authenticity is paramount. Reliability and consistency With a well-planned marking scheme should be a high level Fitness for purpose Dependent on diploma and progression routes involved and relevance of assessment strategy Inclusivity Dependent on questions, use of language, a sufficiency of time, appropriateness to diploma Authenticity Should be high Sufficiency Question should be at level 3, but not above. Currency Consistent with current thinking and practice in the subject area.
3.%20Sci%20and%20Eng%20assessment%20methods%20-%20completed%20version.docx