Which are the Key Principles of Assessment? A Case Study of Policy Documents

Abstract

Assessment is at the heart of the student experience and is therefore of considerable interest to the higher education sector and beyond. Assessment is an integral part of educational systems and may serve different purposes. Historically, it has been the primary instrument used to monitor and measure achievement. While assessment of learning is still important, assessment for learning has become more widespread, encompassing a variety of methods and response formats. Anecdotal evidence suggests that in some instances the quest for innovative practices takes priority over theoretical issues of assessment practice. This study examined policies at five universities on four continents. The most frequently used criteria were, in order: Transparent, reliable, aligned, equitable, educative and ethical.