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
PublisherUniversity of Wollongong
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
Public Notes

The following uses are always permitted to the author(s) and do not require further permission from Research Online provided the author does not alter the format or content of the articles, including the copyright notification:...
* Posting of the article on the internet as part of a non-commercial open access institutional repository or other non-commercial open access publication site affiliated with the author(s)'s place of employment.

Byline AffiliationsLearning and Teaching Support Unit
Permalink -

https://research.usq.edu.au/item/9yw7y/assessment-in-first-year-university-a-model-to-manage-transition

Download files


Published Version
Taylor_JUTLP_v5n1_PV.pdf
File access level: Anyone


Submitted Version
Taylor_JUTP_2008_PV.html
File access level: Anyone

  • 2895
    total views
  • 1339
    total downloads
  • 4
    views this month
  • 1
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Conceptualising, implementing and evaluating the use of digital technologies to enhance mathematical understanding: reflections on an innovationā€“development cycle
Galligan, Linda, McDonald, Christine, Hobohm, Carola, Loch, Birgit and Taylor, Janet. 2015. "Conceptualising, implementing and evaluating the use of digital technologies to enhance mathematical understanding: reflections on an innovationā€“development cycle." Lock, Jennifer, Danaher, Patrick and Redmond, Petrea (ed.) Educational developments, practices and effectiveness: global perspectives and contexts. United Kingdom. Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 137-160
Managing diversity in first year service mathematics course: integration of effective numeracy teaching principles and management theory
Taylor, Janet A. and Mander, David. 2002. "Managing diversity in first year service mathematics course: integration of effective numeracy teaching principles and management theory." 6th Pacific Rim First Year in Higher Education Conference (FYHE 2002). Christchurch, New Zealand 08 - 10 Jul 2002
Assessment: a tool for development and engagement in the first year of university study
Taylor, Janet A.. 2006. "Assessment: a tool for development and engagement in the first year of university study." 9th Pacific Rim First Year in Higher Education Conference (FYHE 2006). Gold Coast, Australia 12 - 14 Jul 2006
The use of tablet and related technologies in mathematics teaching
Galligan, Linda, Loch, Birgit, McDonald, Christine and Taylor, Janet A.. 2010. "The use of tablet and related technologies in mathematics teaching." Australian Senior Mathematics Journal. 24 (1), pp. 38-51.
Perceived mathematical proficiencies required for first year study at The University of Southern Queensland
Taylor, Janet A., Galligan, Linda and Van Vuuren, Peter. 1998. Perceived mathematical proficiencies required for first year study at The University of Southern Queensland. Toowoomba, Australia. University of Southern Queensland.
Learning approaches, personality and concepts of knowledge of first-year students: mature-age versus school leaver
Burton, Lorelle J., Taylor, Janet A., Dowling, David G. and Lawrence, Jill. 2009. "Learning approaches, personality and concepts of knowledge of first-year students: mature-age versus school leaver." Studies in Learning Evaluation Innovation and Development. 6 (1), pp. 65-81.
Adults returning to study mathematics
Galligan, Linda and Taylor, Janet A.. 2008. "Adults returning to study mathematics." Forgasz, Helen, Barkatsas, Anastasios, Bishop, Alan, Clarke, Barbara, Keast, Stephen, Seah, Wee Tiong and Sullivan, Peter (ed.) Research in mathematics education in Australasia 2004-2007. Rotterdam, Netherlands. Sense Publishers. pp. 99-118
Mathematics support program for commencing engineering students between 1990 and 1996: an Australian case study
Taylor, Janet A. and Morgan, Michael J.. 1999. "Mathematics support program for commencing engineering students between 1990 and 1996: an Australian case study." International Journal of Engineering Education. 15 (6), pp. 486-492.
Mathematics for math anxious students studying at a distance
Taylor, Janet A. and Mohr, Joan. 2001. "Mathematics for math anxious students studying at a distance ." Journal of Developmental Education. 25 (1), pp. 30-41.
Making students AWARE: an online strategy for students given academic warning
Taylor, Janet A. and Lawrence, Jill. 2007. "Making students AWARE: an online strategy for students given academic warning." Studies in Learning Evaluation Innovation and Development. 4 (2), pp. 39-52.
Studying at university: early perceptions and experiences of first year service mathematics students
Taylor, Janet A. and Mander, Alison. 2007. "Studying at university: early perceptions and experiences of first year service mathematics students ." Studies in Learning Evaluation Innovation and Development. 4 (3), pp. 29-43.
Managing staff development for online education: a situated learning model
Taylor, Janet A.. 2003. "Managing staff development for online education: a situated learning model." Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management. 25 (1), pp. 75-87. https://doi.org/10.1080/13600800305742
Self test: a flexible self assessment package for distance and other learners
Taylor, Janet. 1998. "Self test: a flexible self assessment package for distance and other learners." Computers and Education. 31 (3), pp. 319-328. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0360-1315(98)00044-X
Writing in groups as a tool for non-routine problem solving in first year university mathematics
Taylor, Janet A. and McDonald, Christine. 2007. "Writing in groups as a tool for non-routine problem solving in first year university mathematics." International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology. 38 (5), pp. 639-655. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207390701359396
Research into research on adults in Bridging Mathematics: the past, the present and the future
Taylor, Janet A. and Galligan, Linda. 2006. "Research into research on adults in Bridging Mathematics: the past, the present and the future." Horne, M. and Marr, B. (ed.) 12th Annual International Conference of Adults Learning Mathematics-A Research Forum (ALM) jointly with the Australian Council for Adult Literacy. Melbourne, Australia 03 - 07 Jul 2005 Melbourne, Australia.
A web 2.0/web3D hybrid platform for engaging students in e-learning environments
de Byl, Penny and Taylor, Janet. 2007. "A web 2.0/web3D hybrid platform for engaging students in e-learning environments." Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education. 8 (3), pp. 108-127.
Analysis of student beliefs in a tertiary preparatory mathematics course
Carmichael, Colin S. and Taylor, Janet A.. 2005. "Analysis of student beliefs in a tertiary preparatory mathematics course." Kingfisher Delta '05: 5th Southern Hemisphere Conference on Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics Teaching and Learning. Fraser Island, Australia 22 - 26 Nov 2005 London, United Kingdom. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207390500271065
Staff perceptions of factors related to non-completion in higher education
Taylor, Janet A. and Bedford, Tasman. 2004. "Staff perceptions of factors related to non-completion in higher education ." Studies in Higher Education. 29 (3), pp. 375-394. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075070410001682637
Mathematics for maths anxious tertiary students: integrating the cognitive and affective domains using interactive multimedia
Taylor, Janet and Galligan, Linda. 2006. "Mathematics for maths anxious tertiary students: integrating the cognitive and affective domains using interactive multimedia." Literacy and Numeracy Studies. 15 (1), pp. 23-43.
Undergraduate mathematics and the role of mathematics learning support
Taylor, Janet A.. 1999. "Undergraduate mathematics and the role of mathematics learning support." Spunde, Walter, Cretchley, Patricia and Hubbard, R. (ed.) Delta '99, the Second Symposium on Undergraduate Mathematics. Laguna Quays, Australia 21 - 24 Nov 1999 Queensland.
Identifying at-risk students: is it possible in a tertiary preparation course for adults?
Carmichael, Colin S., Dunn, Peter K. and Taylor, Janet A.. 2006. "Identifying at-risk students: is it possible in a tertiary preparation course for adults?" Grootenboer, Peter, Zevenbergen, Robyn and Chinnappan, Mohan (ed.) 29th Annual Conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (MERGA29). Canberra, Australia 01 - 05 Jul 2006 Wahroonga, Sydney, Australia.
The evolution of online learning in bridging mathematics at a distance: the tension between learning needs, technological innovation and access restrictions in an Australian regional university
Taylor, Janet A.. 2002. "The evolution of online learning in bridging mathematics at a distance: the tension between learning needs, technological innovation and access restrictions in an Australian regional university." Statham, M. (ed.) Crossing the Bridge: Proceedings of the 10th Australasian Bridging Mathematics. Auckland, New Zealand. UNITEC. pp. 67-74
Learning styles among mature age students: some comments on the approaches to studying inventory (ASI-S)
Fogarty, Gerard J. and Taylor, Janet A.. 1997. "Learning styles among mature age students: some comments on the approaches to studying inventory (ASI-S)." Higher Education Research and Development. 16 (3), pp. 321-330. https://doi.org/10.1080/0729436970160306
Developing study skills in a first year mathematics course
Taylor, Janet A. and Mander, David. 2003. "Developing study skills in a first year mathematics course." New Zealand Journal of Mathematics. 32 (Supplementary issue), pp. 217-225.