Crafting Equitable Pathways: Co-Creating Inclusive Assessment & Feedback Principles

Whitnall, Davina; Power, Jess

Abstract

The presentation provides a synthesis of our approach to co-create inclusive assessment and feedback principles to support equitable and fair learning environments. The principles were derived from internal enhancement initiatives designed to improve student success; these were triangulated with sector best practices. A set of five principles were co-developed with Academic Schools that embody clarity, assessment literacy, real-world relevance, continuous feedback and promote a sense of ownership.

Here we demonstrate the impact of innovative EDI-led initiatives across a range of disciplines drawing on best practice, highlighting the importance of collaboration and inclusivity in fostering student success. We unpack and explore the co-creation process of development and institutional examples of best practice that support:

1. Simplifying assessment language and processes to ensure students understand the criteria.
2. Aligning assessments with learning outcomes and activities to promote universal assessment literacy.
3. Real-world relevance and practical skill application through authentic assessment.
4. Incorporating holistic assessment approaches to support student development.
5. Offering flexible assessment options to accommodate diverse student needs.

During the activity, participants have the opportunity to use the principles and through an assessment lens discuss strategies that:

• Enhance student engagement and confidence.
• Improved assessment literacy and understanding among students and staff.
• Increased inclusivity and diversity in assessment, creating a sense of belonging and community.
• Support fairness of assessments, leading to higher satisfaction and success rates.

The session focuses on the creative innovation around this EDI-led initiative, co-creating across different subject areas to formulate evidenced, impactful and inclusive frameworks.

Citation

Whitnall, D., & Power, J. (2024, November). Crafting Equitable Pathways: Co-Creating Inclusive Assessment & Feedback Principles. Presented at CHEAD Innovations in Practice, Virtual

• Presentation Conference Type: Lecture
• Conference Name: CHEAD Innovations in Practice
• Conference Location: Virtual
• Start Date: Nov 12, 2024
• End Date: Nov 12, 2024
• Deposit Date: Nov 12, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 4, 2024
• Keywords: Inclusivity, Innovations, Practice, Assessment & Feedback