Session 6.3: Assessment and evaluation on MEd TESOL units

Woodrow, L

This poster presentation will present assessment and feedback procedures used on MED TESOL programme in the Faculty of Education and Social Work. The MEd TESOL attracts a large number of international fee paying students. These students demand a clear explanation of assessment methods and a clearly stated rationale for course content. Arising from concerns students have regarding the fairness of assessment techniques between tutors, a system of feedback on assignments using assessment criteria descriptors has been introduced on some units. This has reduced the number of student complaints regarding variation of marking.

To avoid student dissatisfaction concerning unit content and delivery a mid-term unit evaluation has been introduced. In this way students can identify any issues they have with the unit and remedial action may be taken. This also provides the opportunity for lecturers to clarify the unit rationale.

The poster presentation presents some sample assessment grids and evaluation sheets and discussion about these.