EE and Assessment in Practice Learning Event. London 1 April 2011

Judy Kerr, University of Stirling

In existence in the seventies, firmly established as part of CCETSW’s DipSW regulations

Pivotal role in the collaboration between HEIs and agencies in assessment of student practice and ‘readiness’ to qualify

Quality assurance through monitoring of:1.Those assessing practice2.The process of assessment3.The learning opportunities provided to SW

students

Judy Kerr,University of Stirling

Structural layer(HEIs) in the moderation of assessment decisions

Advisory role >Exam Board Critical to HEI processes given

subcontracted nature of ‘off campus’ teaching and assessment

Partnership representation between Universities and employers

Judy Kerr,University of Stirling

Principle of advisory or assessment panels continues in Degree programmes

Interpretation across programmes varies both in process and membership

HEI responsibility for QA –role/need for agency involvement?

Demands on practice colleagues- shifting priorities

Judy Kerr,University of Stirling

Strong support for principle and practice Commended by staff and EEs for partner

links and voice in assessment of practice Maintains standards given changes in role

of PTs Robust approach to evidence Needs commitment from agencies

Judy Kerr,University of Stirling

Valuing of practice ‘Equality’ of membership Strong team and feel part of it Increased ‘academic’ confidence Consistent decision making ‘We work well together and have influenced

standards of reports’

Judy Kerr,University of Stirling

Principle is ‘sound’ ‘It’s not fair I was asked for more evidence

and my friend wasn’t’ ‘I pinned my hopes on it overturning my

PT’s recommendation- it didn’t.’ Feed back – ‘brief’, ‘helpful’, ‘useful for my

next placement’

Judy Kerr,University of Stirling

Attendance requirements- need for panels to be quorate

Fairness of assessment processes- student anonymity, conflicts of interest, consistency

All portfolios v sample? Balance of evidence- student or PE?

Judy Kerr,University of Stirling

PAPs remain fit for purpose and worth keeping but:

1. In the current climate are they sustainable?2. Is the constitution the sole prerogative of

HEIs?3.Has the shifting ‘landscape’ of practice

learning impacted on consistent and reliable assessment of student practice?

Judy Kerr,University of Stirling