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| ASSESSMENT STRATEGY |
ASSESSMENT METHODS
Assessment of achievement/competence is undertaken for each module in each
course. Assessment is based on the extent to which an assessor considers that
a student has achieved the particular learning outcomes/objectives of the
module concerned. These learning outcomes/objectives are stated on the module
worksheets that are provided for students at the start of each semester.
Generally, a grade is assigned that indicates the student's assessed level of
achievement/ competence; however, non-graded assessment may be used in
occasional modules.
The most common assessment methods at levels 1 and 2 are:
written assignments - essays and reports;
practical exercises;
student oral presentations and creative projects; and
multiple-choice/short-answer tests.
The most common assessment methods at level 3 are:
written assignments - essays, exegetical exercises and tutorial/seminar papers;
oral presentations and contributions to tutorials/seminars;
practical exercises in classroom and field situations;
progress tests and examinations; and
research studies/projects.
Details of the assessment methods are provided on the module worksheets for each coursework module and in the relevant handbooks/manuals for research studies/projects.
GRADING
Student performance per modular unit (especially in academic-related studies) is normally
graded according to a six-point descending scale:
| GRADING SCALE | |
| High Distinction (HD): | 85 to 100 percent |
| Distinction (D): | 75 to 84.5 percent |
| Credit (C): | 65 to 74.5 percent |
| Pass (P): | 51 to 64.5 percent |
| Terminal Pass (TP): | 49.5 to 50.5 percent |
| Fail (F): | Below 49.5 percent |
| In addition to this, students may be advised as follows: | |
|
Result Withheld [RW]: |
The assessment has not been finalized for either academic or administrative reasons. |
Non-graded assessment is used in some modules.
Note: Tabor College may also use the categories: incomplete (I); non-graded
pass (NGP); recognition of prior learning (RPL); withdrawn not fail (WN); withdrawn
fail (WF); enrolment expired (EE) and
exemption (Ex).
PASS MARK, RESUBMISSION AND REPEATING
To pass in a module, a student must gain at least 50% of the total marks
available in that module. A student who scores below 50% for a particular
exercise/assignment will normally be permitted to repeat/resubmit the
exercise/assignment within a specified timeframe, but will not be able to
score more than a Terminal Pass (50%) for the repeat effort/resubmission. Additional
requirements apply in some modules and these are specified on the relevant
worksheets.
A student who fails a test or examination may be granted a supplementary test
or examination after a further period of study, provided that the student's
performance in other components of the assessment has been satisfactory.
A student will not be permitted to repeat a failed module more than twice
without permission from the Stream Head and at least two other faculty
members.
The College's policy on Academic Risk and Support, and Repeating Failed
Modules is included in the Student Orientation Handbook.
LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS
Penalties are applied for late submission of assignments.
Due dates for assignments are clearly specified on module worksheets. Unless
students have been granted formal extensions, the following are the normal
penalties for late presentation of assignment work:
10% deduction for up to 1 week late (with a subsequent mark of no less than 50% if the original mark was 50% or more).
20% deduction for 1-2 weeks late (with a subsequent mark of no less than 50% if the original mark was 50% or more).
Maximum 50% for over 2 weeks late.
More than 4 weeks late no marks.
Students will be notified of lateness penalties on their assignment cover sheet and have until the first week of the following term to appeal with the Registrar. Requests for extensions must be made before assignment due dates, using the relevant forms and including the requisite signatures.
MARKING OF ASSIGNMENTS
Marking (assessment) is both summative and formative. Markers are expected to
give reasons for the grades that they assign and to comment on the strengths
and weaknesses of the work assessed. Where a student scores below 50%,
feedback from markers will usually involve both written comments and personal
counselling with directions for the further study necessary in each individual
case.
SPECIAL GROUNDS FOR SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATIONS
Where a student is prevented by illness or other circumstances beyond his/her
control from attending an examination, or where a student believes that
illness or other special circumstances have significantly affected his/her
performance in an examination, that student may apply for consideration for a
supplementary examination on medical or compassionate grounds.
WITHDRAWAL
Academic record
If a student withdraws from a module after commencing that module, a notation
will appear on the student's academic transcript. For withdrawal before a
certain point the notation will be WN, signifying "Withdraw Not Fail" and for
withdrawal after that point the notation will be WF, signifying "Withdraw
Fail". The determining point depends on the duration and nature of the module.
Further details are provided in the Student Orientation Handbook.
Financial penalties
For information about the financial penalties of withdrawing, students should
refer to the