RAISE-ing Assesssment

During 2018, CeTTL undertook an institution-wide investigation of assessment policies, guidelines, and practices; we also sought feedback from academic staff and students about assessment practice at the university. A key outcome has been the development of a framework (RAISE) to provide a set of shared principles for discussions about assessment. RAISE poses a series of questions about Relevant, Authentic, Inclusive, Stimulating and Structured, and Enabling and Explicit assessment design and evaluation for different cohorts (divisional policy makers, programme leaders, paper approvers, individual staff, tutors, and students) to consider. This session will introduce the RAISE framework and provide opportunities for participants to use the RAISE self-review tool to analyse and reflect on assessment and learning.

Exploring the Role of Examinations in Student Learning

As part of the university’s consideration of the role of examinations in student learning, this presentation will explore examination practice and alternatives to exams. The presentation will be informed by a recent CeTTL literature review of how other institutions have shifted their assessment focus from examinations and the implications for student engagement, learning, and satisfaction with degree study at the University of Waikato.

Innovating with Technology: A Buffet of Ideas for Engaging Students

Sometimes, in spite of our best intentions, it can be overwhelming to consider new technological teaching tools or pedagogical approaches. This hands-on session has been designed as a series of roundtables to highlight the range of software that is available for the classroom. Focusing on innovative ways that technology could be incorporated into teaching and learning, the session will follow a round robin format in which participants can explore new tools and discuss some innovative approaches that others have taken to using them.

Tuning in to Student Voice

We are all committed to providing a high-quality experience for students, but could we do more to listen and respond to student voice on issues such as curriculum, assessment, what good teaching looks like, and what it means to achieve and be successful? Student voice is also about recognising that different students have different needs – Māori students, Pacific students, mature students, or students with disabilities, students who come from families who’ve not had anyone go to university before, for example. This session will involve a panel of staff and students to brainstorm and share ideas about how to best engage student voice.

Inclusive teaching with a focus on Maori and Pacific students

How can we make our teaching more culturally inclusive? In this session, colleagues from across the university will respond to this question, with a particular focus on developing environments and practices that are culturally inclusive of Maori and Pacific students.

Integrating Kaupapa Maori into your teaching

What is kaupapa Māori, why is it important and how can this element be incorporated into our regular teaching practice? This session will explore the key areas for consideration around this theme and begin to make linkages between principles and learning environment practice.

Using various types of assessment to promote learning

How can we make assessments a natural part of learning and teaching process? This session aims to focus on what really matters in assessment, that is, student learning. We invite you to come and share your experiences of using various types of assessment.

Group Assessment

How do we assess collaborative learning and group work in our papers? This session will explore ways of thinking about group assessment, focusing particularly on issues associated with group dynamics, ways of organizing groups, and cultural responsiveness.

Engaging students in learning, assessment, and evaluation

Student engagement is multifaceted, and the term has different meanings in different contexts. This session will explore teaching strategies for nurturing greater student engagement across disciplines.