Abstract
– This paper sets out to examine methods that can be used to enhance the quality and consistency of dissertation assessment.
Design/methodology/approach
– The paper includes a review of literature on quality, consistency and criteria of dissertation assessment to highlight the current practices in higher education. A case study approach was followed to pilot a range of assessment approaches and criteria in an attempt to measure and ultimately improve assessment consistency within the case study school's dissertation module on undergraduate programmes.
Findings
– This paper highlights the main findings of the literature and the case study phases. Outcomes of two dissertation assessment exercises, a workshop organised among dissertation assessors and an analysis of previous years' dissertation assessment results from a case study school are outlined. Findings from two dissertation assessment exercises revealed wide variation in the assessment of dissertations by the school's assessors. Hence, a dissertation workshop was organised to disseminate the results and to discuss the implications for the school's assessment practice, which identified several initiatives to enhance the quality and consistency of assessment.
Originality/value
– The need to ensure quality, consistency and improved criteria of assessment is particularly emphasised within modules where assessment is through one substantial piece of work such as a dissertation. This study highlighted the many challenges that a Programme Leader faces when devising an assessment strategy for a dissertation module.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 271-286 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| Journal | Quality Assurance in Education |
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2007 |
| Externally published | Yes |
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Enhancing the quality and consistency of undergraduate dissertation assessment: A case study. / Pathirage, Chaminda; Haigh, Richard; Amaratunga, Dilanthi; Baldry, David.
In: Quality Assurance in Education, Vol. 15, No. 3, 2007, p. 271-286.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
TY - JOUR
T1 - Enhancing the quality and consistency of undergraduate dissertation assessment: A case study
AU - Pathirage, Chaminda
AU - Haigh, Richard
AU - Amaratunga, Dilanthi
AU - Baldry, David
PY - 2007
Y1 - 2007
N2 - Purpose– This paper sets out to examine methods that can be used to enhance the quality and consistency of dissertation assessment.Design/methodology/approach– The paper includes a review of literature on quality, consistency and criteria of dissertation assessment to highlight the current practices in higher education. A case study approach was followed to pilot a range of assessment approaches and criteria in an attempt to measure and ultimately improve assessment consistency within the case study school's dissertation module on undergraduate programmes.Findings– This paper highlights the main findings of the literature and the case study phases. Outcomes of two dissertation assessment exercises, a workshop organised among dissertation assessors and an analysis of previous years' dissertation assessment results from a case study school are outlined. Findings from two dissertation assessment exercises revealed wide variation in the assessment of dissertations by the school's assessors. Hence, a dissertation workshop was organised to disseminate the results and to discuss the implications for the school's assessment practice, which identified several initiatives to enhance the quality and consistency of assessment.Originality/value– The need to ensure quality, consistency and improved criteria of assessment is particularly emphasised within modules where assessment is through one substantial piece of work such as a dissertation. This study highlighted the many challenges that a Programme Leader faces when devising an assessment strategy for a dissertation module.
AB - Purpose– This paper sets out to examine methods that can be used to enhance the quality and consistency of dissertation assessment.Design/methodology/approach– The paper includes a review of literature on quality, consistency and criteria of dissertation assessment to highlight the current practices in higher education. A case study approach was followed to pilot a range of assessment approaches and criteria in an attempt to measure and ultimately improve assessment consistency within the case study school's dissertation module on undergraduate programmes.Findings– This paper highlights the main findings of the literature and the case study phases. Outcomes of two dissertation assessment exercises, a workshop organised among dissertation assessors and an analysis of previous years' dissertation assessment results from a case study school are outlined. Findings from two dissertation assessment exercises revealed wide variation in the assessment of dissertations by the school's assessors. Hence, a dissertation workshop was organised to disseminate the results and to discuss the implications for the school's assessment practice, which identified several initiatives to enhance the quality and consistency of assessment.Originality/value– The need to ensure quality, consistency and improved criteria of assessment is particularly emphasised within modules where assessment is through one substantial piece of work such as a dissertation. This study highlighted the many challenges that a Programme Leader faces when devising an assessment strategy for a dissertation module.
KW - Assessment
KW - Quality
KW - Undergraduates
UR - http://www.emeraldinsight.com/loi/qae
U2 - 10.1108/09684880710773165
DO - 10.1108/09684880710773165
M3 - Article
VL - 15
SP - 271
EP - 286
JO - Quality Assurance in Education
JF - Quality Assurance in Education
SN - 0968-4883
IS - 3
ER -