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Compassionate assessment methods in higher education, including pass/fail grading and trauma-informed assessment policy, can be transformative in supporting student wellbeing, engagement and learning. However, implementing these changes can be challenging without a collaborative platform for sharing knowledge and good practice.
This project will establish a Compassionate Assessment Network to facilitate sharing research, resources and experiences that promote a culture of compassion and social justice in assessment.
How can assessment be compassionate, as well as meet quality requirements? Considering policy through to practice, the new Network will provide long term support for the development of assessment that is empathetic, while also addressing challenges such as awarding differentials, the use of artificial intelligence and the implications on academic integrity – all from the perspective of compassion.
Compassionate Assessment – sharing effective practice
The project team are collecting case studies on how assessment practices or policies could be more compassionate. If you have an example to share with us, please complete this short form. Cases will be compiled and made available for the sector to learn from.
Upcoming event
Non Violent Communication
5 December, 13:00-14:00 (GMT)
Dr Anna Troisi, University of the Arts London
Anna is a National Teaching Fellow for her innovative use of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) to enhance inclusivity and student agency in curriculum and pedagogy across a range of disciplines. Her transformative approach has fostered a dynamic environment where students and staff collaborate to innovate and develop student-centred educational practices.
Planned outputs
- In-person hackathon launch event – to find creative solutions for compassionate assessment policy and practice
- Interactive website that is the central hub for the Compassionate Assessment Network, allowing the sharing of information, resources and research findings related to compassionate assessment
- Regular online Compassionate Assessment Network events, to start building a community to discuss ideas and share good practice
Tune into a podcast
Neil Currant, Vikki Hill and Liz Bunting talk about the research they've been doing on compassion in teaching and introduce the idea of compassionate assessment.
Lead institution: University of Bedfordshire
Partner institutions: Queen Margaret University and University of the Arts London
Other Collaborative Enhancement Projects
QAA supports a number of projects every year, covering a range of topics and interest areas. Each is led by a QAA Member, working in collaboration with other members institutions. You can find more information on all projects, and access resources and outputs, on our website.