uea.su These comments illustrate inconsistency both in terms of: i. format of feedback whether handwritten or typed, amount of feedback written, etc. ii. Style of marking whether standardised or not, varying between lecturers, varying between modules, etc. This indicates that inconsistent practice is taking place both between and within schools. Whilst we understand that different schools require different types of marking and feedback types, UEA centrally should encourage schools to practice consistent marking and mandate them to put steps in place to achieve this.
100% assessments An issue for students across UEA is 100% assessments, either exams or coursework. The comments below from this year’s NSS results indicate that, across a variety of schools and Faculties, there is dissatisfaction among the student body with these type of assessments: “A lot of pressure was put on second years with the year being assessed by 100% exams” PPL student, NSS 2017 “Many assignments were 100% of the mark of the module despite being on topics more than 70% of the class was new to and learning for the first time.” ENV student, NSS 2017 “I didn’t like the fact that we had to produce one piece of coursework that counts for 100% for each module — I wish that is something they could have changed.” LDC student, NSS 2017 “100% pieces of coursework pile too much pressure on students and mean that one lapsed grade has a hugely detrimental effect on the whole three years.” LDC student, NSS 2017 “100% of the work was marked by just one coursework” LAW student, NSS 2017 Although we understand that there is often reason and merit for 100% assessments, there should be further scope for preparing and supporting students through these type of assessments. We also believe that, where modules have 100% assessments, there must be reasonable justification made by the module lead. Where there is not justification as to why a 100% assessment is necessary, course leads should review the assessments to ensure that they are as appropriate as possible.
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student experience report