Web-based Assessment of Student Progress Files

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Web-based Assessment of Student Progress Files

• Neil Challis and Jeff Waldock
• (Sheffield Hallam University)

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Why progress files and portfolios?

• In what ways can we encourage a more reflective
  approach to learning, and using what mechanisms?
• What role can assessment play in this?
• How can computers help with this task?
• Not just compliance with QAA!

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Progress files the QAA view

• a transcript provided by the institution
• an individuals personal records of learning and
  achievement
• a means by which the student can monitor, build
  and reflect upon their personal development
• (The term Personal Development Planning (PDP) is
  used to denote this process and HEIs are expected
  to have their own policies in place by 2005/6. )

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Progress files the QAA view

• Helpful documents
• Go to http//www.qaa.ac.uk and search on
  progress files
• For instance
• http//www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/progfilehe/contents.
  htm

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Progress files the LTSN view

• Helpful documents
• (Go to http//www.ltsn.ac.uk/genericcentre,
  choose Resources, and search on guide for busy
  academics)
• (Guide for Busy Academics No 1 PDP)
• (Guide for Busy Academics No 3 Using PDP to help
  students gain employment)

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Progress files the PDP element

• Some key features of PDP
• Integration with mainstream academic pursuits
• Link to learning objectives and programme
  outcomes
• Support from academic staff and institution

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Progress Files and PDP the SHUMaths approach

• Sheffield Hallam Mathematics
• Electronic, web-based
• Fully integrated
• Student web portfolio of work and other documents
  (CV etc)
• Reflective learning log
• Both bear some credit
• Not currently linked to universitys formal
  transcript
• Currently no university-wide system

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Links to (anonymised and simulated) live SHUMATHS
PDP system

• General simulation of the site
  http//pdp.popmaths.com
• To log in as a student use a username of
  TestStudent1 and a password of t1
• To log in as a member of staff, use TestStaff
  and Test

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The SHUMaths approach some questions and
reflections

• How best to integrate?
• How to engage staff and convince them of its
  value?
• How to engage students and convince them of its
  value?
• To assess for credit or not?
• What does the computer contribute?

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The SHUMaths approach some questions and
reflections

• What evidence so far?
• E.g. http//eppi.ioe.ac.uk/EPPIWebContent/reel/rev
  iew_groups/EPPI/LTSN/LTSN_summary.pdf
• Help with employability?
• Help with learning/planning/engagement?
• Contribution to retention/achievement?

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The SHUMaths approach some questions and
reflections

• Relationship between subject group and
  institution?
• Can we afford to do it (or can we afford not to
  do it)?
• Mischievous thoughts PDP for staff?

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The SHUMaths approach some questions and
reflections

• How can the idea of a portfolio contribute in
  Mathematics?
• Key components
• Collection of evidence, labelling, structuring
  and signposting, critical reflection
• Filing, assessment, evidence for employment
• Students present what they value?

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The SHUMaths approach some questions and
reflections

• In assessing a portfolio or PDP
• How detailed a judgement, whose outcomes, whose
  work?
• Brief students and tutors, work top down or
  bottom up, what if one fails?
• Other outcomes what things students did well,
  how well tutors marked?

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Close

• We are keen to share experience ....
• We are pleased to learn from others ....
• Please contact us at
• n.challis_at_shu.ac.uk
• j.waldock_at_shu.ac.uk
• maths_at_shu.ac.uk