Assessment choice and student anxiety: widening the very gap we are seeking to close?

Bird, Sara; Bennett, Laura

Abstract

Choice of assessment topic and/or mode can facilitate inclusive assessment, allowing students to choose topics reflecting their interests and backgrounds, and choose formats that support strong performance and benefit learning. O’Neill (2011) found that choice reduced anxiety related to assessment in a research-intensive university, in contrast to observations of greater anxiety associated with choice in a post-1992 university with a diverse student population. We share two pilot studies conducted with students and staff that suggest choice of assessment can increase anxiety for certain student groups. We outline proposals for appropriate support to minimise anxiety related to assessment choice. We also invite colleagues to support a large-scale survey engaging diverse student groups to determine whether choice increases attainment gaps for some groups, rather than reducing them as the approach intends.

O’Neill, G. (2011). A practitioner’s guide to choice of assessment methods within a module: Case studies for University College Dublin. Dublin.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: Society for Research in Higher Education Annual Conference
• Start Date: Dec 11, 2019
• End Date: Dec 13, 2019
• Deposit Date: Sep 29, 2021
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7450760