Assessment Types

What is it:

An “Abstract” is a form of assessment which refers to a written summary or concise representation of a more extensive academic work, such as a research paper, thesis, or scientific articles. The purpose of an abstract is to provide a brief but comprehensive overview of the main points, objectives, methods, findings, and conclusions of larger work, allowing the reader to quickly understand the content without having to read the entire document. Generally, this would have a word count of 300 to 500 words.

What is it?

Students produce a list of citations from texts, primary sources and internet sites on specific topics followed by a brief descriptive and evaluative paragraph, the purpose of which is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited.

The creation of a digital application or website which allows students creatively demonstrate the Software and IT skills learned through a specific module.

Students are asked to write on a particular topic(s) to an
agreed length in a specific style writing in the style such as a journal, newspaper or magazine. This form of assessment allows students to engage with research as academics do and produce a piece of writing on a specific topic.

A blog is a web page where the writer can make regular additions on various or specified over a period of time. Hyperlinks, images, audio and videos can be included with the text and can be presented creatively. This allows students to write about specific topics or experiences i.e work experience, in a creative manner.

A formal statement of theoretical business goals, reasons they are attainable, feasibility of the business idea, plans for reaching them, and funding. It may also contain background information about the organisation or team attempting to reach those goals. This method of assessment encourages students to break down and understand the steps involved in setting up a business.

Case studies involve real-life situations and often take the form of problem-based inquiry. They enable students to apply their knowledge of a modules material to identify problems and offer solutions. This method of assessment is useful for assessing students’ understanding and for encouraging students to see links between theory to practice.

What is it?

A concept map is a visual representation of knowledge. The process enables students to organize and structure information and the relationships between them. This may be done in a graphical manner i.e., using images, photos, colour etc. to highlight differing concepts and their linkages or by identifying key the concepts by name or title and enclosing them in a visual box then providing connecting navigation to lesser concepts.

A debate involves students researching and analyzing a topic based on stance they have choosen or are giving to take for the purpose of the assessment. They argue this stance against other students using factual and well articulated points. The debate can be conducted with two participants or a group of participants.

Students produce independent research on a question or problem of their choice,and produce a substantial thesis/dissertation providing a deep understanding of the topic. This document is submitted to support the students’ academic degree.

A compilation of academic work and other forms of educational evidence assembled by a student for the purpose of evaluating coursework quality, learning progress, and academic achievement and for creating a lasting archive of academic work products, accomplishments, and other documentation in a folder or booklet. An ePortfolio is the same concept using an electronic system to store and organise the information.

Students are required to write an essay on specified or agreed topics within given
parameters e.g. word count, use of different literature sources etc. Students are required to present their points in a structured, logical and discursive manner.

The skeleton of an essay including arguments, main points and conclusions. Students demonstrate their preparation, planning and reading on the topic instead of having to write a full essay.

A written examination that tests students knowledge of a module through various tyrpes of questions i.e multiple choice, short answer questions, long questions and case scenarios.

A learning situation where students work as part of a group to collaborate on an assessment. The assessment can be based on a variety of assessment types. It helps students build skills in teamwork and prepares them for realistic work place dynamics.

A reflective document kept through the period of a learning detailing day to to day activities, learnings and challenges i.e work placement journal or laboratory journal.

Students write a report for practicals undertaken in the lab. These include information about the procedures, results, and skills demonstrated. This helps to assess students subject knowledge, literacy, numeracy and understanding.

A piece of academic writing, which summarises and reviews previous research on a topic without bias. In the literature review students’ review scholarly articles, books and other sources. The student demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the academic literature on a particular topic.

A type of examination in which a question is presented and the answers are given in the form of options from which the student must select the correct answer(s).

A form of examination where the student can use a book, a piece of text or their own notes to help formulate arguments for the given question. This method removes the over-reliance on memory and recall and models the way that professionals manage information.

Verbal interaction between assor and student on a specific topic. This enables students to verbalise their understanding of content. Often associated with assessing language subjects to assess students progess with speaking the language and learning the variables within a language subject i.e nouns, verbs, tenses and pronunciation.

Students grade and/or provide feedback on each other’s assignments using rubrics/grading criteria they have developed themselves or with which they have been provided. This helps students to identify mistakes in their peers work and help each other learn from their mistakes.

Student are asked to create a poster on a particular topic. This can include text and grapghics on a single page to demonstrate understanding of a topic in a creative way.

Assessment of prartical skills developed through a module. Students are asked to perform tasks that demonstrate their skills, techniques and/or competencies whilst being observed.

Students are asked to give an oral/video presentation on a particular topic for a specified length of time and could also be asked to prepare associated slides and/or handouts. Can be paired with group work to have multiple students working together to present their findings.

This is a form of assessment where students are presented with a range of questions either formatively or summatively. A range of question types can be incorporated such as MCQ’s and short answers.

Students produce a piece a piece of academic writing in a formal style consisting of an introduction, main body, and conclusion on a specified topic. This encourages students to think anyaltically and complete extensive research for information.

An assessment in which students assume the roles of characters and develop a script and short demonstration to show understanding of topic/subject. This assessment type enables students to act out their roles and come up with a creative dialog.

Students are asked to reflect on their own pieces of work, learning and their level of skills using a module specific grading rubric. This encourages students to evaluate their work and identify ways to improve their learning and skills.

Students are asked to give brief answers to questions. This measures students analysis, application of knowledge, problem-solving abilities and evaluative skills.

A wiki (Wikipedia) is an online writing space that multiple contributors can share and edit. A student or group of students can use it to create and collaborate on a resource on a particular topic .