Pulling up your briefs: Accessible assessment processes Dr Debra Cureton

Overview The University of Wolverhampton WhatWorks @Wolves? Inclusive assessment approach Evaluation Embedding and Impact Project Team

University of Wolverhampton West Midlands, Post 1992 University 180 years old 18 Schools housed in 4 faculties Widening Participation University 40% part time students 40% mature students High proportion of students who are first in family 90% of students commute from a 25 mile radius Diverse student body 47% are UK born students from minority backgrounds Range of ethnicities make up minority groups University of Opportunity Equality in retention & success of students - key strategic goal KPI reduce degree differentials to less than 5% by 2021

What Works? Cross University initiative Active learning intervention 3 pilot teams Sports Art and Design Bio Medical Science Active learning intervention Inclusive assessment processes Clear assignment briefs Assignment processing

Characteristics of successful assignment briefs: Includes information on: Product Process Useful examples Marking criteria What markers will give points for/ are looking for Language is appropriate to a student audience to the subject matter Fit for level Logical Structure Information in all one place 1 – 1.5 sides of A4 Clear, succinct, no jargon, informative.

Student led unpacking sessions Three key principles for processing an assessment with students in-class: Students should lead discussions and share their understanding of the brief Students should be encouraged to ask questions about what they do not understand Lectures discuss what is not understood and rectify misunderstandings

Quantitative Evaluation Qualitative Feedback Student levels 4,5,6,7 Enhanced confidence Aspiration raising Meaningful discussions Staff Greater engagement Areas of misunderstanding Less questions about what to do and more theoretical discussion 50% and Above 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 Impact BME 37% 72% 74% +37% White 53% 61% 70% +17% 60% and Above 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 Impact BME 18% 51% 55% +37% White 27% 34% 40% +13% 70% and Above 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 Impact BME 14% 30% 35% +21% White 19% 27% +13% The tables above show the attainment rates in all modules included in WhatWorks? for the year before the start of the project and through rollout. Comparison modules

Embedding and Impact Rollout plans in 3 Faculties Assessment Cafes Different approaches including Peer Review & Systematic Rollout Assessment Cafes Part of the GTA’s Job Role Belongingness is core university business Annual Attainment Summit (SU) Reduction in degree differential outcomes What works resources are on the student landing page WhatWorks how to be successful posters (used annually) Assessment guide, includes the accessible assessment approach Belongingness is a core consideration Faculty Development Plan Personal Tutoring Plan Learning. Teaching and assessment sub-strategy Central to SU annual questionnaire Further University funded research As an aside I was at our University Academic Enchantment committee, and everyone from facilities, through faculties to the Students’ Union were talking about how belongingness was embedded within their work

Thank you for Listening With thanks to all the students who took part and the research partners below: WhatWorks @Wolves Team Project Lead: Dr Debra Cureton, Doctoral College Strategic Leads: Dr Alexandra Hopkins, Dean of Academic Development and Enhancement, Offices of the Vice Chancellor Mr Jon Elsmore, Dean of Students, Offices of the Dean of Students Discipline Leads Dr Mark Groves – Sport Dr Martin Khechara – Science Dr Peter Day - Arts Discipline Team Senior Advocates: Dr Kay Biscomb, Head of the Institute of Sport, Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing Dr Crispin Dale, Principal Lecturer for Learning and Teaching, Faculty of the Arts Mr Chris Williams, Principal Lecturer Learning and Teaching, Faculty of Science and Engineering Student’s Union Representation: Ms Ann Gough, CEO of the University of Wolverhampton Students Union Ms Zoe Harrison, President of the Students Union 2014/15 Ms Zoe Harrison, Vice President Academic of the Students Union, 2013/14 Ms Marie Cheer, Vice President Academic of the Students Union, 2012/13