Assessment for Learning: Developing awareness of good academic practice in an exceptionally diverse cohort of foundation students Dr Henrietta J. Standley Cardiff University School of Biosciences StandleyHJ@cardiff.ac.uk
The module: Cells and the Chemistry of Life • Introduction to biological molecules and cells • Underpins other biology modules • Preliminary Year in Science (Prelim) and International Foundation Programme in Health & Life Sciences (IFP) • Core for Prelim students in Biosciences, Dentistry, Medicine, and Earth Sciences • Core for IFP students • Optional for Prelim students in Chemistry and Physics
The challenge: An exceptionally diverse student cohort • Cohort very diverse in educational background, subject interests, English fluency, and prior knowledge of biology • Variable prior experience in • finding appropriate scientific resources • structuring an essay • citing sources and preparing reference lists • understanding and avoiding plagiarism • writing in (scientific) English • Existing coursework assignment was an open-ended essay, e.g. ‘Proteins’, with limited guidance on referencing and no support on avoiding plagiarism
The goal: Create an assignment that embeds development of academic skills • Consolidate and extend understanding of biological macromolecules • Accommodate wider ability range by providing scaffolded and open-ended aspects • Provide linked training in • finding appropriate scientific resources • structuring an essay • citing sources and preparing reference lists • understanding and avoiding plagiarism • Feed-forward to future years of degree course
The solution: (1) Subdivide assignment into smaller components • 3 short questions on different macromolecules • 1 structured essay e.g. ‘Explain how the structures of collagen and haemoglobin relate to their functions. The essay should refer to the primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures of each protein. Compare the similarities and differences between the structures of the two proteins and how they relate to their respective functions. ’ • Students must reference at least 3 textbooks and 2 articles from scientific journals in their essay
The solution: (2) Introductory tutorial • Essay structure • Citations and referencing • Generic Level 3 marking criteria
The solution: (3) Hands-on IT workshop • Essay question given to library staff in advance • Interactive IT workshop • Identifying key words • Search strategies • Finding suitable books and online resources • Linked to specific essay topic
The solution: (4) Academic skills tutorial on understanding and avoiding plagiarism • Turnitin and how it is used • Reiterate the importance of referencing sources • As they complete the assignment, students can view their own Turnitin reports and resubmit
The evidence: Unfair practice cases 7 6 5 Remedial number of cases meetings: 4 Formal Informal 3 2 1 0 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 number of 6/75 5/51 5/70 3/62 2/49 cases/number of students % UFP 8 10 7 5 4 cases
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