The benefits of students learning about critical evaluation rather than being summatively judged

Abstract

This paper explores how student reflection on assessment procedures is a necessary part of the learning experience, and how such reflection can be supported in our teaching practices. Attention is paid to how discussion and analysis of assessment practices can be prioritized in the opening stages of a course. Further exploration reveals the importance of teaching students the differences in rationale behind summative and formative methods, and ways to do this. The advantages of conceptual marking, how written and verbal feedback should not be the end stage but used as a building block for student reflection, roles for self‐ and peer assessment and particular issues concerning oral assessment are all investigated.