Based on a personalised approach to learning, this authentic assessment technique is focused around an intensive fieldwork period in which students produce a (multimedia) portfolio of works relevant to their profession, on a topic of their choice. During fieldwork, students work in groups of three or four and (in cases of international field-reporting) may also work with a student liaison from a local University, media outlet or partner organisation. In JOUR3122, students have travelled abroad to conduct highly successful foreign correspondent journalism projects. Although students work and collaborate in groups, portfolios are submitted and assessed individually. Each piece is researched and largely arranged prior to the intensive fieldwork component. Completed portfolios are graded and (where appropriate) uploaded to various dedicated websites where they are often republished through mainstream media. The potential of this task to generate publishable output encourages integrous conduct and high quality content. This assessment has previously been used only in courses that are available to high performing students (based on GPA) as this helps to ensure the effective functioning of the fieldwork component, as well as a professional standard of work produced. This assessment is ideally scaffolded with a project pitch and a reflective essay.
Details
- CLASS SIZE
- 20-40
- CLASS LEVEL
- Third year
- ASSESSMENT SECURITY
- Medium security
- TIME REQUIREMENTS
- High time
- CONDITIONS
- Group
- FEATURES
- Authentic
- TAGS
- multimodal, student negotiated assessment, personalised learning, fieldwork
Advantages
When combined with other courses across an entire program, experience with this authentic assessment leaves students with a published professional portfolio which may be used to build collegiate networks, and enhance employability. Students are given the opportunity to hone disciplinary skills and experience (often using specific multimedia software packages such as NVivo, STATA, Adobe Spark and Shorthand.com). Suits a variety of disciplines in which industry, community or interprofessional engagement is expected (and could inform the type of fieldwork being conducted).
Challenges
Can be difficult to prompt students to produce output with sufficient narrative or analytic depth, hence the importance of an active facilitator (especially for international or remote fieldwork). Potentially time intensive for staff required to individually liaise with students (to aid in project design and implementation) and attend the intensive fieldwork component of assessment.
Tips for implementation
Course coordinators should be prepared to liaise actively with students to guide development of a robust portfolio topic and its conceptual and creative development throughout the fieldwork period. As an exercise in professional practice, encourage students to develop multiple pitches/angles for portfolios should lines of inquiry not eventuate whilst on location.
How it supports academic integrity
Student work is based on original, contemporary, student-negotiated topics informed by personalised learning pedagogies that decreases a risk of academic misconduct via outsourcing.
Dr Bruce Woolley
b.woolley@uq.edu.au
An international journalist, broadcaster and academic with 35 years of experience on four continents (Australia, Asia, Europe and North America). Now lecturing in journalism at The University of Queensland. An international journalist, broadcaster and academic with 35 years of experience on four continents (Australia, Asia, Europe and North America). Now lecturing in journalism at The University of Queensland. Lecturer and Course Coordinator for Visual Journalism, Journalism in Sound, International Field Reporting, and Internships and Work Experience. Deputy Director of Engagement for the School of Communication and Arts. Course coordinator and project manager for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) projects: UQ in India 2015/16/17/18, Vietnam Today 2015, UQ at the G20; UQ in Vietnam 2014, Vietnam Reporter 2012; IOI Reporter and INIHKD indigenous health and knowledge conference. Visit: uqinindia.wordpress.com vietnamtoday.com.au uqG20.com uqinvietnam.com vietnamreporter.com.au IOIreporter.com.au INIHKD2012.com Find out more