Overview
New report calls for a re-evaluation on how assessment policies are framed to recognise systemic time inequities amongst students from equity groups.
The Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success (ACSES) has published a new report through its Small Grants Research Program:
Time for a rethink: Assessment policy to enable equity by Joanne Dargusch (CQUniversity), Lois Harris (CQUniversity), Jill Willis (QUT), Margaret Kettle (CQUniversity), Julie Arnold (QUT), Natasha Rogers (CQUniversity), Jeanine Gallagher (QUT), and Do Na Chi (QUT).
The report outlines the problems surrounding time and assessment from the perspective of students from equity backgrounds by examining how Australian universities currently construct and consider student “timescapes” within assessment contexts, and by identifying potentially high-equity assessment policy and practices.
Recommendations from the report include:
- recognise assumptions about time in assessment
- raise awareness of tensions that exist between policy intentions and the mechanisms that either facilitate or hinder inclusive assessment practice
- talk within and across complex systems in ways that promote equity
- generate action and innovation to ensure equity and academic success for all students.
Read the research highlights and download the full report here.
