Assessing for competence need not devalue grades

Article

Van Der Vyver, Glen. 2007. "Assessing for competence need not devalue grades." Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology. 4, pp. 343-351.
Article Title

Assessing for competence need not devalue grades

ERA Journal ID22235
Article CategoryArticle
Authors
AuthorVan Der Vyver, Glen
Journal TitleIssues in Informing Science and Information Technology
Journal Citation4, pp. 343-351
Number of Pages9
Year2007
Place of PublicationSanta Rosa, California, USA
ISSN1547-5840
1547-5859
Web Address (URL)http://iisit.org/IssuesVol4v2.htm
Abstract

[Abstract]: Norm-based assessment is under fire from some quarters because it is often unfair and is out of touch with the demands of the job market. Criterion-referenced assessment is touted as the answer by others but problems remain, in particular with regards to the maintenance of standards.

This study examines the use of competency-based assessment in an undergraduate database course. The findings suggest that it is possible to create an assessment instrument that is relevant to particular skills required in the job market but does not inflate grades across the board. A remarkable idiosyncrasy emerges in that the distribution of scores assumes a bi-polar shape with a significant number of high grades and a significant number of grades at the lowest passing level or failing grades.

Keywordsgrade inflation, criterion-based assessment, academic standards, competence, norm-based assessment.
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020390402. Education assessment and evaluation
Public Notes

Published version deposited in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher - free access publication.

Journal issue also published as book: Eli Cohen (ed.) Information and Beyond: Part I.

Byline AffiliationsSchool of Information Systems
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