Assignment design 180213

Assignment Designwww.abp.org.uk

• At the end of the presentation you will be able to:

– identify the purpose of assignments

– understand how to produce good quality assignments

– understand how to ensure the assignments are set at level 7

– understand the responsibilities of assessors in the design of assignments

Association of Business Practitioners www.abp.org.uk

Objectives

• Identify clusters of assessment criteria and learning outcomes that can be grouped logically

• Copy the assessment criteria from the unit specification and paste them in to a blank assignment as the basis for tasks (questions)

• Think of an outline case or problem that provides a context for the assignments

• Amend the tasks to reflect the nature of the case or problem


Assignment writing (an approach)

• Consider the case / problem to establish its suitability

• Is the case / problem:

– relevant

– up to date

– something about which there is detailed data and information

• Can students access the information about the case

• Adjust the case / problem to ensure it provides sufficient suitable material for the tasks

• Combine criteria in to a single task if possible



• Put the assignment (case / problem) and tasks in to a wrapper

• The front part of the wrapper is the assignment management information (front sheet)

• The back part of the wrapper is the assignment guidance

• Submit the assignment for IQA

• Use the assignment with students and remember it may still have problems and not be perfect

• Update and amend the assignment when the subject is assessed with the next group of students



• Assignments are used to assess students

• Assignments also help students to learn

• Consider writing assignments that cover outcomes from more than one unit using the principles

outlined to:

• integrate subjects

• give a real world view of problems

• Track the learning outcome / assessment criteria coverage for planning and audit purposes



What is Level 7

• Level 7 requires students to display mastery of a complex and specialised area of knowledge and skills, employing advanced skills to conduct research, or advanced technical or professional activity, accepting accountability for related decision making including use of supervision


What is level 7?

• Intellectual skills and attributes

– Display mastery of a complex and specialised area of knowledge and skills

– Demonstrate expertise in highly specialised and advanced technical, professional and / or research skills


What is level 7?

• Processes

– Conduct research, or advanced technical or professional activity, using and modifying advanced skills and tools

– Design and apply appropriate research methodologies

– Communicate results of research to peers

– Develop new skills to a high level, including novel and emerging techniques

– Act in a wide variety of unpredictable and advanced professional contexts


What is level 7?

• Accountability

– Accept accountability in related decision making including use of supervision


What is level 7?

Assignments

• A wide range of methods can be used

• However, the assessment method must be fit for purpose

• An assignment can be a:– case study

– project

– practical work

– research project

– decision making exercise

– task / activity that generates suitable assessment evidence


Assignments

• Assignments must be work related

• Assignments need to be completed by students in their own time to allow opportunities to access and to analyse information

• Assignments may be completed under examination conditions in order to ensure authenticity

• Examination style assignments are cost effective to run


Assignments

• Assignments offer students:

– increased involvement in learning process

– realistic work-related activity

– opportunities to develop higher level skills

– opportunities to work independently

– motivating activities throughout the duration of the course


Assignments

• Assignments should:

– use a standard house / college / institution style

– have tasks and questions that map to learning outcomes and assessment criteria

– include assignment management information (a front sheet)

– provide advice on the administration of the assignment

– be written in clear and unambiguous language


Features of good assignments

• Provide students with an opportunity to apply knowledge, understanding and skills to new problems and unfamiliar situations

• Provide relevant stimulus material that is up to date

• Give the student a suitable role

• Require work to be presented in business formats


Features of good assignments

Responsibilities of an Assessor

• Assessors are responsible for:

– assessing learners’ knowledge, understanding and skills against assessment criteria

– using appropriate assessment methods

– giving feedback to learners

– recording assessment decisions

– carrying out best practice with regard to assessment

– contributing to the quality assurance of assessment


Responsibilities of an assessor

Contacts

ABP Head Office

The Association of Business Practitioners

The Glasshouse

177-187 Arthur Road

London

SW19 8AE

Telephone: +44 (0)20 3405 2425

Fax: +44 (0)20 8944 7835

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.abp.org.uk


Contacts

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.abp.org.uk/

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Assignment design 180213