An integrated approach to assessment through considered curriculum design

A key to enhancing assessment in the biological sciences is to ensure that assessment activities are designed as part of an holistic approach to designing the student learning experience in subjects or programs of study. This requires an integrated approach to all aspects of the curriculum, from learning objectives, to instructional activities and student assessment and feedback.

This section of the bioassess website is specifically intended to provide resources for those responsible for designing curricula in the biological sciences.

Provided are selected examples of how Australian biologists have gone about planning curricula within and across year levels (Curriculum planning and review), and strategies for achieving a closer alignment between student learning outcomes and assessment in the discipline (Outcomes and assessment).

Also related to curriculum is the issue of how to design curricula that include creative approaches to assessment in a context of resource constraints (Coping with resource constraints) and with pressures to include more and more content (Managing a crowded curriculum). While there are no magic solutions to these curriculum challenges, our discussions with practitioners reveal many good ideas and creative strategies.

This section of the bioassess website also includes strategies for maintaining standards through benchmarking of the curriculum and assessment practices (Benchmarking), along with suggestions for achieving a closer connection between disciplinary research and teaching through effectively designed assessment in the biological sciences (Teaching-research nexus).

The strategies and approaches described here are cross-linked to related Assessment Types and Key Issues, as appropriate. Also linked are relevant specific Examples written by academic staff from Australian universities.