Overview
Transforming the Experience of Students Through Assessment (TESTA) is a method of reviewing the assessment and feedback practices at a programme-level in higher education to identify areas of enhancement and effective practice. Since its inception, TESTA and its methodologies have been implemented across a wide range of UK universities, including Strathclyde, Dundee, St Andrews, and Edinburgh.
How does it work?
The backbone of TESTA is made up of data collection of assessment and feedback practices at a course level. These are collated to offer staff a holistic view of the student experience across an entire degree programme. Data are collected via course reviews, student questionnaires, and focus groups, with findings discussed at programme-level meetings of teaching teams. These meetings are designed to create an opportunity for teaching staff to exchange assessment and feedback practices collaboratively.
The benefits of TESTA
By adopting TESTA methodologies, the University and its academic Schools are aiming to enhance the student learning experience by increasing student engagement through more varied assessment and feedback approaches. Broadening approaches will help facilitate student engagement with deeper learning and further develop their understanding of assessment and feedback literacies. Importantly for both students and staff, TESTA additionally presents the opportunity to identify areas of over-assessment, with an aim to reducing workload and improving student and staff assessment experiences.
TESTA Pilots
At the University, TESTA is being piloted within the School of Social Science and the School of Natural and Computing Sciences. The process is coordinated by the Centre for Academic Development, and the University’s TESTA team, which includes undergraduate students, academic and professional services staff, the Dean for Educational Innovation, and the School Directors of Education.
Further information on TESTA is available from the TESTA team (testa@abdn.ac.uk).
Further information here.