Advantages
This skills-focused assessment enhances student employability by encouraging the application of theory beyond the classroom, as well as developing discipline specific skills in policy that many employers are seeking. This is an authentic assessment that builds on academic understandings, and that fosters communicative and collaborative skills. This assessment is well suited to the HaSS disciplines of Governance and Public Policy, International Relations, Social and Public Policy, or any other disciplines in which students are likely to enter public, government sectors or graduate programs.
Challenges
It can be difficult to manage group dynamics – It may be useful to reiterate to students that they can exert as much or little effort when completing the assessment, however their marks will be reflective of this.
Tips for implementation
Having some professional background in social policy and/or policy process can assist when implementing this task.
How it supports academic integrity
This assessment is combined with a series of formative exercises and dedicated time in-class for completing the task - thus minimising opportunities for outsourcing the task. Additionally one of the scaffolded tasks that students must complete is an oral presentation in which they must speak to the details of their specific topic – this means that the assessment is a least partially identity verified.