An assessment structured around investigating questions or solving authentic, often ill‑structured problems, requiring students to apply disciplinary knowledge, research, and critical thinking. e.g. fieldwork, primary data collection, mixed‑methods investigation, case‑based analysis, scenario‑based problem solving, diagnostic reasoning tasks.

Critical Reflection (Tutorial)

Sequence

Critical Reflection (Tutorial)

Students write a 500 word critical reflection on the professional and applied skills learned from undertaking a particular course of study. This is submitted at the end of the teaching period subsequent to weekly in-class worksheets (which students must have completed throughout the semester to be eligible for full marks).

Second year
Class size of 60-80
Secure
Sequence
Creative Book Review

Assessment method

Creative Book Review

Designed to creatively encourage application of course themes and discipline-specific theory and concepts, this task requires students to select a book (from a list of relevant texts) and construct a 1000 word review. Attention should be paid to addressing the effectiveness of various texts to engage complex or abstract ideas.

First year, Second year
Class size of 60-80
Open
Community Research Group Project

Team or Group based, Sequence

Community Research Group Project

In this semester-long, scaffolded assessment, students collaborate in small groups to complete a community-based research project, drawing on discipline-specific methodologies and conceptual frameworks. The assessment is divided into three tasks focusing on (1) quantitative research skills, (2) qualitative research skills, and (3) presenting key research findings.

Third year
Class size of 40-60
Open
Team or Group based, Sequence
Artifact-inspired Writing Task

Assessment method

Artifact-inspired Writing Task

Students use artifacts as points of inspiration for short (500 word) written pieces relevant to their discipline. Students are marked on their written expression and adherence to conventions of the genre. Works are also recited during tutorials and students marked on how well they engage others through their spoken delivery.

Second year, Third year, Post-graduate
Class size of 20-40
Secure
Assemblage-Based Project Report

Team or Group based

Assemblage-Based Project Report

Developed as an authentic assessment that simulates analytical skills as used in vocational and academic settings, this task has students analyse a real or created assemblage - a group of disciplinary-relevant artefacts, (e.g. in Archaeology, cultural objects, tools or skeletal remains from a specific site) to produce a written report.

Second year, Third year
Class size of 20-40
Secure
Team or Group based
Article Review Presentation (using Pinterest and Padlet)

Team or Group based

Article Review Presentation (using Pinterest and Padlet)

In small groups students present an article review in dedicated tutorial time. Groups create a Pinterest page in which they collate and curate digital material relevant to their topic. Audience members use Padlet (an online notation tool) to comment on presentations in real time (via personal smartphones) to inform discussion.

First year
Class size of 20-40
Secure
Team or Group based
Argumentative Essay Assignment

Assessment method

Argumentative Essay Assignment

In this progressive assessment students write a 1200 word argumentative essay in a supported learning environment. This assessment's innovation lies in its pedagogical underpinnings and the teaching environment in which it is delivered. Students complete weekly activities in argument mapping, effective communication, and critical reasoning as progressive learning tools to construct their essay.

First year
Class size of 40-60
Secure
Multimodal Design Project

Team or Group based

Multimodal Design Project

This practice-led technique integrates design/production methods to execute a multifaceted project. The piece can take any form as process is emphasised over output. The technique comprises several scaffolded assessments: an oral pitch/proposal (20%); workbook (10%); portfolio (prototype + report) (50%); and reflection (20%).

Third year
Class size of 20-40
Open
Team or Group based
Personalised Multimedia Portfolio

Team or Group based

Personalised Multimedia Portfolio

Students complete an intensive field project (7-10 days) to produce a professional portfolio of authentic digital and/or written works. Fieldwork involves a course trip to an overseas location or high profile domestic event (e.g. 2014 G20 Summit). Students research and prepare proposals/pitches prior to fieldwork in consultation with course coordinator/s.

Third year
Class size of 20-40
Open
Team or Group based
Genre Writing with Peer-review Report

Assessment method

Genre Writing with Peer-review Report

In addition to producing their own piece of creative or academic writing, students work in pairs to provide a detailed feedback report of their partner's draft written assessment. Students are assessed on both the final written piece and on the report they produce for their student partners.

Third year
Class size of 20-40
Open