University of Kent

Aims

Assessment is a key concern in education and current literature is packed with information on assessment design, using feedback for learning and even challenges to the role of assessment in the current changing environment of UK higher education.

In response to the Institutional Audit (2004), the review in 2006 of the QAA Code of Practice, Section 6: Assessment of Students, and information gained from the National Student Survey (2006) and UELT research (2005), the University updated the relevant assessment documentation and launched the assessment enhancement theme ‘Assessment – Less Effort, More Effect’ for 2007/2008 at the Assessment in HE conference held in May 2007.  The assessment focus for the 07/08 academic year culminated in the Assessment Symposium in May 2008, which gave departments the opportunity to share assessment practices across the University.

Support for staff on enhancing assessment practice at individual and departmental level takes several forms:

• Guidance for departments in reviewing assessment (see Guidance for Developing and Reviewing Assessment Practice as contained within the Assessment Framework)
• Funding for specific assessment related projects
• Provision of resources to support the development of innovative assessment practices
• Networking opportunities
• The Local Assessment Advisory Group (to provide a forum for sharing and disseminating assessment practices within the University and across local institutions)