Assessment choice: Narrowing or widening gaps in achievement?

Bird, Sara; Bennett, Laura

Abstract

Choice in assessment topic/mode is widely accepted as a means to reduce attainment gaps and engage students in learning (Price et al., 2012; O'Neill, 2011), as students from diverse backgrounds can 'play to their strengths' through choices reflecting their own experiences and aspirations (Universities UK, 2019). However, observation of students offered such personalised learning experiences questioned whether assessment choice may widen the very gaps that it is intended to close. We present the results of a pilot study of 10 students across a post-1992 university, using in-depth interviews to explore the differential impacts of assessment choice, and a workshop with staff from multiple institutions. While some students use assessment choice to cultivate career aspirations and increase grades, others are less equipped to make appropriate choices. This variously manifested as anxiety, poorer performance and lower student satisfaction. We present key steps in scaffolding assessment choice for the benefit of all students.

Citation

Bird, S., & Bennett, L. (2020, September). Assessment choice: Narrowing or widening gaps in achievement?. Paper presented at Chartered Association of Business Schools Learning Teaching and Student Experience Conference, Online

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: Chartered Association of Business Schools Learning Teaching and Student Experience Conference
• Conference Location: Online
• Start Date: Sep 14, 2020
• End Date: Sep 16, 2020
• Deposit Date: Sep 29, 2021
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7450699