Educational assessment tops panel discussion
AUTHENTIC assessment rather than traditional university assessment has been sounded off as a way of reforming education.
This idea was presented during a panel discussion at the Alliance Française on rebuilding the classroom and educational model after two years of distance learning as a result of the pandemic.
La Nuit des Idées — or the Night of Ideas — is a yearly event aimed at encouraging dialogue and discussions around one theme related to major issues faced worldwide, with this year’s theme being rebuilding together.
SPC educational assessment specialist Dr Gemma Escott responded to the audience’s question on rethinking traditional forms of assessment for students which were more inclusive.
“Moving university assessment away from that fully summative endpoint assessment is something we 100 per cent need to move away from,” she said.
“I worked in assessment, now for eight years, and I hate exams with an absolute passion. I’ve kind of made it my life’s work to reform anyone I speak to about it with an approach to 100 per cent authentic assessment.
Dr Escott said lecturers and teachers had become too comfortable in established systems practised for years which made it even harder to let go of such rigid examinations.
Psychology lecturer Dr Annie Crookes said international research about mental health for the select cohort that had to make the transition during the pandemic showed high levels of distress while some improved with their psychological well-being.
Other panellists included acting Marist Brothers High School principal Tupou Gavidi and a recent university graduate, Diandra Lee.