Insights in Flexible Assessment from Students' and Teachers' Perspectives: A Focus Group Study

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Insights in Flexible Assessment from Students' and Teachers' Perspectives: A Focus Group Study
Language: English
Authors: Norbert G. C. Huyer, Jeroen Dikken, Ellen Sjoer, R. I. Hutter, Anne Venema, Peter G. Renden
Source: Higher Education Studies. 2024 14(3):73-89.
Availability: Canadian Center of Science and Education. 1595 Sixteenth Ave Suite 301, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4B 3N9 Canada. Tel: 416-642-2606; Fax: 416-642-2608; e-mail: hes@ccsenet.org; Web site: http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/hes
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2024
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Student Evaluation, Evaluation Methods, Student Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes, Student Experience, Teaching Experience, Nursing Education, Barriers, Educational Improvement, Foreign Countries, Universities, Bachelors Degrees, Nursing Students
Geographic Terms: Netherlands
ISSN: 1925-4741
1925-475X
Abstract: The advantages and drawbacks of components of flexible assessment have been studied mostly from the standpoint of students and, to a lesser extent, teachers. A gap persists in understanding the collective perspectives of teachers and students concerning flexible assessment. This study aimed to explore experiences and perspectives of students and teachers regarding flexible assessment within the specific context of nursing education. Seven focus groups comprised four sessions with teachers and three with students, each involving 5-8 participants. Results showed that students and teachers have a predominantly positive perspective towards flexible assessment. They acknowledge the opportunities that flexible assessment provides for diverse forms to present evidence. However, concerns were raised regarding the design of flexible assessments, issues of fairness in rating evidence, and the understanding among teachers and students regarding the assessment processes. Additionally, discussions focused on the perceived benefit of flexible assessments, particularly concerning the time investment required for their implementation and evaluation. In conclusion, the success of flexible assessments is contingent on the careful consideration of its design, ensuring equitable evaluation of evidence, and fostering comprehensive understanding among both teachers and students. Recognizing potential disparities in views of students and teachers offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of flexible assessment. Achieving a balance between the flexibility of assessment formats, aligned forms of evidence, and an appropriate rating methodology is crucial for effective implementation.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2024
Accession Number: EJ1440069
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The advantages and drawbacks of components of flexible assessment have been studied mostly from the standpoint of students and, to a lesser extent, teachers. A gap persists in understanding the collective perspectives of teachers and students concerning flexible assessment. This study aimed to explore experiences and perspectives of students and teachers regarding flexible assessment within the specific context of nursing education. Seven focus groups comprised four sessions with teachers and three with students, each involving 5-8 participants. Results showed that students and teachers have a predominantly positive perspective towards flexible assessment. They acknowledge the opportunities that flexible assessment provides for diverse forms to present evidence. However, concerns were raised regarding the design of flexible assessments, issues of fairness in rating evidence, and the understanding among teachers and students regarding the assessment processes. Additionally, discussions focused on the perceived benefit of flexible assessments, particularly concerning the time investment required for their implementation and evaluation. In conclusion, the success of flexible assessments is contingent on the careful consideration of its design, ensuring equitable evaluation of evidence, and fostering comprehensive understanding among both teachers and students. Recognizing potential disparities in views of students and teachers offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of flexible assessment. Achieving a balance between the flexibility of assessment formats, aligned forms of evidence, and an appropriate rating methodology is crucial for effective implementation.
ISSN:1925-4741
1925-475X