Assessment that is “equitable, valid and reliable”
Assessment is a complex topic since it involves two distinct aspects. First, it forms an essential element of the learning process. Students learn both from assessment activities and from their interaction with staff about their performance in those activities. Second, it is the means by which academic staff form judgements as to what extent students have achieved the intended learning outcomes of a module or programme. These judgements form the basis for the grading of student performance through the allocation of marks and through the award of credit or qualification.
Constructing assessment tasks which test students appropriately, can be marked efficiently and meet ‘quality’ expectations is a challenge. In regard to the latter, the QAA for Higher Education have developed The UK Quality Code for Higher Education, which is a definitive reference point for all those involved in delivering UK higher education. It makes clear what institutions are required to do, what they can expect of each other, and what the general public can expect of all higher education providers. In regard to assessment, is it a key expectation of the Quality Code that:
“Higher education providers operate equitable, valid and reliable processes of assessment … which enable every student to demonstrate the extent to which they have achieved the intended learning outcomes for the credit or qualification being sought.”
The University provides academic staff with policies, regulations and guidance to help ensure that assessment at Loughborough is “equitable, valid and reliable”, which can be accessed via the following links:
The Centre for Academic Practice is organising a number of activities throughout January to support academic colleagues to consider the assessments they use. Follow this link to explore how you can participate in these activities.