Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Improving student outcomes through dialogic feed-forward assessment

Hill, Jennifer; West, Harry

Authors

Jenny Hill Jennifer.Hill@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Professor in Teaching and Learning

Profile Image

Dr Harry West Harry.West@uwe.ac.uk
Senior Lecturer in Geography & Environmental Management



Abstract

Assessment and feedback are fundamental to student learning and achievement and are arguably more influential to learning behaviour and learners’ experience than teaching. However, assessment feedback gains consistently low scores in national surveys of student satisfaction, with most concern surrounding its timeliness, quality and effectiveness. We present the results of a two year qualitative study, thematically analysing semi-structured interviews with students who have undertaken dialogic feed-forward coursework on a second year undergraduate geography module in a British university. The assessment consists of submitting a considered draft of a coursework essay, which is discussed and evaluated face-to-face with the course tutor before a self-reflective piece is written about the assessment process and a final essay is submitted for formal grading. We present evidence that this process asserts a positive influence on the student learning experience in a number of inter-related cognitive and affective ways, impacting upon learning behaviour, supporting student achievement, and raising student satisfaction survey scores related to feedback. We espouse an ipsative, cyclical approach to dialogic feed-forward that enhances assessment literacy and hence learners’ longitudinal development.

Citation

Hill, J., & West, H. (2018, August). Improving student outcomes through dialogic feed-forward assessment. Paper presented at International Geographical Union, Regional Conference, Quebec City, Canada

Presentation Conference Type Conference Paper (unpublished)
Conference Name International Geographical Union, Regional Conference
Conference Location Quebec City, Canada
Start Date Aug 6, 2018
End Date Aug 10, 2018
Acceptance Date Jun 1, 2018
Publication Date Aug 8, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Keywords student outcomes, dialogic, feed-forward, assessment
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/863094
Additional Information Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : International Geographical Union, Regional Conference