Theory and Practice

The Theory and Practice pages of this website provide a framework for thinking about assessment and feedback in higher education and ideas about how to improve practices based on published research and on the experiences of different stakeholders in higher education.

The theoretical perspective underpinning this website is that assessment and feedback practices should enable students to take increasing responsibility for their own learning and help develop their capacity to make evaluative judgements about the quality and impact of their own work, both during and after its production. Through their higher education experiences, students must develop the confidence and competence to become self-regulated learners.

REAP and PEER, led by the University of Strathclyde, are two projects specific intended to embed the development of learner self-regulation in modules and programmes. The current project the TEACHING EXCELLENCE INITIATIVE at the Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow builds on these two inititaves and moves this work forward.   However, REAP, PEER and the TEI must be seen in the wider context of the whole institution if progress in new practices is to be embedded and sustainable.  In order to enhance assessment and feedback practice in higher education a single focus or approach will not suffice. A multi-strategy approach is required across the whole institution.  The following areas will need to be addressed:

  • A framework for conceptualising assessment and feedback
  • Policies and strategies that support and guide intended practices
  • Initiatives to support enhanced course design and new thinking in departments and faculties
  • Initiatives to engage students as active partners in assesment and feedback processes
  • Course documentation and quality assurance processes aligned to policies and practices

Theory and Practice provides a range of resources to support improved assessment and feedback practices in higher education at a faculty, school and whole institution level. These resources will be useful to different stakeholders, senior managers, teachers, students and those with an interest in quality assurance and quality enhancement.