QAA helps students to unpack assessment through new resource

Knowing how to approach an assessment can be challenging, particularly if you are not sure what is expected of you and why. Recognising this challenge, QAA has developed a short guide that aims to support students in 'unpacking' the assessment process.

The new resource aims to support students at all stages of their higher education journey. It can also serve as a useful tool for discussions among tutors, lecturers and students about assessment as a learning journey. It has been developed in collaboration with members of QAA’s Student Strategic Advisory Committee (SSAC) and is presented as an interactive guide in order to make it more accessible to a variety of students.

The guide supports students throughout the assessment process - from understanding learning outcomes and developing a first draft, through to making use of any feedback provided to them. It also aligns with QAA’s work on academic integrity and promotes good academic practice through supporting academic skills development among students.

Dr Ailsa Crum, Director of Membership, Quality Enhancement and Standards at QAA said:

'This is an excellent resource that offers rich and practical advice to students on how to get to grips with an assessment. Working collaboratively with SSAC members in the development of the guide ensures that it will serve as a practical and accessible resource for students at all stages of their higher education journey.'

The guide also signposts towards other useful QAA resources including our Supporting Student Transitions series which aims to support students progressing into higher education, between levels of study, and into employment.

The Unpacking Assessments: Student Guide is available on our Membership Resources site and is accessible to staff and students from QAA Member institutions which have subscribed to the Quality Insights package. Students can sign up to the site by completing this simple form.