Assessment in first year university: a model to manage transition

Article

Taylor, Janet A.. 2008. "Assessment in first year university: a model to manage transition ." Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice. 5 (1), pp. 19-33.
Article Title

Assessment in first year university: a model to manage transition

ERA Journal ID20366
Article CategoryArticle
Authors
AuthorTaylor, Janet A.
Journal TitleJournal of University Teaching and Learning Practice
Journal Citation5 (1), pp. 19-33
Number of Pages15
Year2008
Place of PublicationWollongong, Australia
ISSN1449-9789
Web Address (URL)http://ro.uow.edu.au/jutlp/vol5/iss1/3
Abstract

For most students assessment guides their study and learning practice. Yet in the literature associated with the first year of study at university, few have mobilised the power of assessment to develop and engage first year undergraduate students. This paper presents a model of assessment for first year students which separates the semester into three overlapping assessment phases: assessment for transition, assessment for development and assessment for achievement. The implementation and usefulness of the model is supported by examples from mathematics, engineering, computing, communication and nursing studies at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ). Particular attention is paid to assessments for transition which occur early in the semester and are linked more closely with processes than specific content. Evidence is collated on the success of assessments in improving the participation of students, especially distance education students.

Keywordsassessment; first year university; transition; exemplars
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020520102. Educational psychology
390303. Higher education
390402. Education assessment and evaluation
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Byline AffiliationsLearning and Teaching Support Unit
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