Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)

Module EDUC44330: Classroom Assessment (Distance Learning)

Department: Education

EDUC44330: Classroom Assessment (Distance Learning)

Type Open Level 4 Credits 30 Availability Available in 2012/13 Module Cap None.

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • N/A

Aims

  • For student to have a critical understanding of assessment in relation to teaching and learning.

Content

  • Purposes of educational assessment
  • The role of assessment in educational practice and policy
  • Validity and reliability in educational assessment
  • Fairness and bias
  • Assessment for learning
  • Teachers’ use of assessment for summative and formative purposes

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • On completion of the module students should be able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the aims and purposes of educational assessment
  • Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of fairness and bias in educational assessment
  • Explain the concepts of reliability and validity in assessment
  • Explain and critically analyse the role of assessment for learning
Subject-specific Skills:
  • On completion of the module students should be able to:
  • Devise and use classroom-based assessment for formative and summative purposes
  • Critically analyse the concepts of reliability and validity in assessment
Key Skills:
  • On completion of the module students should be able to:
  • Critically analyse and present arguments, using theoretical sources and empirical evidence
  • Use computer and information technology (including internet and email use, word processing, spread sheets and statistical software)
  • Participate in and reflect on collaborative group/team work
  • Communicate ideas effectively, both orally and in writing

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module is delivered using a range of teaching and learning methods in a set of discrete Study Units. The units enable the learning outcomes to be achieved through a combination of specially written material, directed reading, reflection through self-and teachers assessed exercises, and guidance for further reading. Extensive use of learning technologies is employed to reinforce learning, including blogs, discussion boards, wikis, video streaming and podcasts. Teachers/module tutors provide feedback on formative work and are available for individual consultation as necessary (by email, telephone, post, fax and video-conferencing).
  • The assessment will take the form of a theoretical assignment (students present analysis of a given problem by use of literature). This will provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate the extent to which they have understood and are able to engage critically with the themes and issues covered under the learning outcomes.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Online Lectures 16 0.5 8
Seminars, exercises and practical activities 16 1 16
Self-guided learning and fieldwork experience 276
Total 300

Summative Assessment

Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Assignment 5000 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

Students will receive feedback to compulsory seminar tasks. Students will produce preliminary summary and outline of the assignment, with additional critical bibliography to indicate reading undertaken, and receive feedback to this.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University