About this Event
Assessment strongly shapes how university students engage with their academic work. It influences what they prioritise during a semester, and grades and feedback provide important signals about their progress and success. For many students, however, assessment is also a major source of pressure. Assessment can compound existing barriers for students from equity and historically under-represented backgrounds, including those juggling study with employment, caring responsibilities and other commitments. Thoughtfully designed assessment can help address these challenges by incorporating features such as flexibility, choice and scaffolding, enabling students to demonstrate their capability rather than being constrained by barriers.
High-stakes summative assessment has historically been dominated by written essays and reports, and synchronous in-person examinations. In recent years, assessment formats and delivery modes have diversified, including through online examinations with extended completion windows. These approaches have enhanced inclusivity and broadened opportunities for diverse cohorts – including students with disability and those living in regional, rural or remote areas – to demonstrate their learning. However, the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence has intensified concerns about academic integrity, assessment security and assurance of learning. These concerns have prompted renewed interest in traditional assessment approaches, potentially curtailing progress towards more inclusive assessment practices. This tension raises an important question: how can educators design assessment that considers both inclusion and assessment security?
To support educators in navigating this challenge, we have developed an Assessment Design Toolkit to encourage consideration of inclusion and security together when designing or redesigning secure assessments. Funded by an Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success Practitioner Resource Grant, the Toolkit includes guiding principles, case studies of assessments from across the sector, and practical guidance for educators.
In this seminar, we will introduce the Toolkit and its resources, and consider how educators can take practical steps towards more inclusive and secure assessment.
Join us in person at Deakin Downtown or online to learn more about the Toolkit and how educators might design assessment for both inclusion and security.
About our seminars
The main seminar session runs for one hour (2.00-3.00 pm AEDT) and includes the seminar presentation as well as time for audience questions. If you only have an hour to spare, don't worry - you'll get the full experience in this main session!
At the conclusion of the main session, the discussion continues in an extended Q&A session (approx. 3.00-3.30 pm AEDT). All audience members - both in-person and online - are welcome to remain at the seminar and participate in this extended conversation.
For in-person attendees, the seminar concludes with afternoon tea and opportunities for informal discussion.
Find out more about CRADLE
Event venue & nearby stays
Deakin Downtown, 727 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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