Assessment method
Online discussion (Participation on Internet news websites)
Designed to encourage students to participate in discipline specific real-world discussions, this assessment sees students post in the 'comments' section of online news websites, using either the originally posted article or an existing comment as stimuli. Students write a total of three comments, the best two of which are marked.
Sequence, Time limited
Online Tests to Support Student Learning
Students complete two online tests across the semester as part of their progressive learning and assessment for the course. The tests are delivered through the Blackboard exam tool and are written and maintained by the course coordinator. Test questions are developed within the decision-making framework introduced in the course. Each test opens for several days and students are given two attempts at each test.
Identity verified, Group
Pair-Interview
Designed as part of an active, applied learning pedagogy, this assessment sees students conduct a live interview or conversation with a peer, with the aim of demonstrating their proficiency in a relevant practical skill or piece of theoretical knowledge. Although performed in pairs, students are marked individually for their contributions.
Identity verified, Sequence
Peer-led Class Engagement Activities
Designed as a low weighted, in-class activity to increase student engagement and to foster skills in facilitation and leadership, this assessment sees students take on the role of leading various small activities. These may include preparing the learning environment, facilitating a class warm-up activity, or hosting a mid-class break.
Identity verified
Practical Activity Facilitation
This student-driven assessment is designed to promote confidence and competence in peer-led practical demonstration. It comprises a lesson plan or seminar notes, and a 15-20 minute teaching demonstration that aligns with a curriculum or discipline. Students showcase their demonstration to peers in class time and facilitate interactive participation and discussion.
Sequence
Pre-Class Writing Exercise
This assessment is part of a flipped classroom approach wherein students engage with content before designated class-time and are assessed to gauge formative comprehension. Students write and submit a short critical response to weekly material. These are brought to class and used as prompts for collegiate discussion and progressive improvement.
Group
Presentation of Basic Mixed Methods (Quantitative and Qualitative) Research
In this assessment students are asked to collect and analyse some basic qualitative and quantitative data from a site of their choosing, and then present their findings. Students are asked to choose a site to collect their data (examples of sites can be provided but they can also be given freedom to choose one that is not listed in the examples). They are then asked to design a research question, collect some basic quantitative data and qualitative data that relates to the themes of the course, conduct some basic analysis (in the case of quantitative typically just some frequencies), link their findings to existing academic literature, and present their findings in their tutorial.
Group
Problem Based Learning Workshop Activities
Underpinned by a problem-based learning pedagogy (PBL), this assessment sees students attend weekly workshops where they are presented with a scenario based on weekly course content (and related to a contemporary, real-world issue). Students work in small groups to formulate a response or solution to the problem/s, discussed in class.
Assessment method
Referencing and Critical Analysis
Designed to teach foundational research skills, provide capabilities in critical analysis, and prepare students for a major research essay, this assessment sees students locate four scholarly sources via disciplinary databases or on-campus library collections. Students must judiciously select and correctly reference these sources, conducting critical analysis on one oanalysis, and prepare students for a major research essay, this assessment sees students locate four scholarly sources via disciplinary databases or on-campus library collections. Students must judiciously select and correctly reference these sources, conducting critical analysis on one oanalysis on one of these.
Identity verified
Reflective Presentation
Akin to an oral exam, but with a pedagogical emphasis on reflexivity and relational education, this assessment sees students respond to a question or prompt via a reflexive presentation and a dialogue with course staff where they speak to salient elements of their learning in relation to course themes.