Assessment method
Practical In-class Quiz
Short (15-20 minutes) in-class practical quizzes in which students rotate around a room of artefacts. Designed to teach and test practical skills and/or the practical application of knowledge, these quizzes are most effectively administered intermittently (2-6 per semester) to test cumulative knowledge and to provide regular feedback on their learning.
Team or Group based, Sequence
Practical Industry Relevant Investment Report & Model
This assessment is based on the work that a typical 1st year to 5th year graduate would do as an investment analyst. They are required to work in a team of four and complete extensive research and analysis of a company, it's industry and competitors. Then develop a rigorous financial model to value the company and write an in depth report for an investment committee to recommend buying or selling this investment.
Sequence
Reflective Workbook
This workbook technique uses progressive learning pedagogies to inform weekly activities that dynamically build on course content. Through formative and summative tasks, students complete one activity per week for the course duration. Feedback is regularly provided for formative tasks to enhance engagement and promote learning outcomes for higher-level summative tasks.
Sequence
Seminar Submission (written or negotiated)
As part of a progressive series of seminars, this assessment item acts as the culminating piece for each seminar. The default submission format is a written piece lodged via Turn-It-In of between 750-1500 words - with greater weight allocated to the assessment items as the seminars progress. Because of the nature of the cohort (practising sport coaches) and the level of the program (post-graduate study), students are offered a degree of choice within each seminar (e.g. topic focus and submission format). Students are supported through this process through the seminar structure of reading week, discussion week, assessment week).
Assessment method
Short Article (The Conversation)
Following a larger essay assessment, students construct a 1000 word article on the same topic of their major assessment piece) intended for publication on the online platform The Conversation. This exercise introduces students to the challenge of writing for a specific audience, and communicating complex concepts with clarity and concision.
Team or Group based, Sequence
Simulation and 500 word group commentary
Underpinned by active learning pedagogies that seek to marry theory and practice, this assessment sees students participate in a three-phase simulation exercise during the tutorial program (Weeks 9-11). Marks are allocated for participation and a 2-page group reflection to be completed after the completion of the simulation.
Team or Group based, Sequence
Simulation Exercise
Students complete a 3 hour in-class simulation where a hypothetical scenario occurs (in POLS7255, a foreign policy negotiation). Students form groups representing key stakeholders and must accurately represent their interests. Students prepare for the simulation (scheduled towards the end of semester) in advance and are assessed on preparation and participation.
Assessment method
Video Experiment
Likened to a video essay, this technique sees students design and conduct an individual practical or experiential experiment based on course principles, documenting it (including background, rationale, results and implications) in a 10 minute YouTube video. Videos are edited and published online, with some being potentially translated into scholarly publications.
Team or Group based
Virtual Business Enterprise Business Plan Assignment
The Virtual Business Enterprise (VBE) is a digital learning resource consisting of a number of small retail businesses. Each semester student groups are allocated a VBE business and these groups 'trade' in 2 sessions across the semester. After each session, a complete set of financial statements is generated for each business. The final set of financial statements is used as a starting point for the business plan assignment linked to the VBE exercise.
Team or Group based
Wiki Activity
Informed by an active learning pedagogy, this technique sees students co-create an online wiki to which contributions are individually marked. Students work collegiately to prosecute an overall argument that responds to a set question, but receive marks for the quality of their individual input; which addresses potential discrepancies in contribution.