Assessment and Feedback

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Since March 2020 higher education has experienced one of the most disruptive phases in its recent history. In a sector typified by considered, researched and incremental change, overnight everyone began emergency remote teaching, learning and assessing. The dramatic shift resulted in positives and negatives, and posed a series of questions for students, staff and other stakeholders. Though still living through the pandemic, in March 2021 fifteen partners from a range of stakeholders across the sector agreed to work together to answer one shared persistent and urgent question: In the context of Covid-19, what have we learnt and what does it mean for the future of teaching and learning in Irish higher education?

The Fledgling Project reviewed assessment and feedback strategies of a final year early childhood studies professional practice placement in which students create and run a community-based parent and toddler group. A student practical guide was developed which includes feedback/guidance from past students, graduates, parents and employers.

There is a wide range of thinking in terms of how impact can be identified, captured and communicated effectively. This Forum Insight introduces some key evidence-based considerations regarding impact within the context of teaching and learning in higher education. The Insight is based on an extensive review of the literature related to impact, key examples of which have been included.

The 40 sources summarised in this document each have an explicit focus on impact and provide useful insights for those wishing to explore the topic. The majority of sources focus on teaching and learning impact in a higher education context. A small number focus on impact in other contexts (research or post- primary contexts) and these were included due to their potential relevance to those interested in higher education teaching and learning impact.

Profile of Assessment Practices in Irish Higher Education

This report aims to inform the current enhancement theme of the National Forum by profiling documented assessment practices across a sample of 30 undergraduate degree programmes. Further, the study aims to explore whether and how assessment practices differ between fields of study and to share insights regarding students’ experiences of assessment across Irish higher education.