In the honours course “Big Data Meets Small Data” at the Faculty of Social Sciences, students have the autonomy to select their own form of assessment to demonstrate their achievement of the learning objectives. Working in groups of approximately five, they undertake research on a topic of their choice, attempting to blend quantitative social media analysis with qualitative research.
During the initial meeting, the lecturer discusses the learning objectives with the students, focusing also on how they believe they can demonstrate their mastery of these objectives. The lecturer encourages them to carefully examine the rubric and students are also informed that they are welcome to propose their own presentation method for the research. The only condition is that the chosen format must prove their achievement of the learning objectives and be compatible with the rubric. If they do not succeed to propose an alternative, the default assessment will be a poster and presentation.
The lecturer needs to be informed of the chosen format once the group of students start their research. The lecturer then collaborates with the students to ensure that the selected method effectively demonstrates that the group members have met the learning objectives. This approach stimulates interesting and innovative group presentations, including radio programmes, a series of interviews, narrated presentations, and of course, posters accompanied by pitches.
See also: Freedom and frameworks: Free assignments in teaching and assessment.
See also: Presentations, Research report, Research project.
Faculty
Fac. of Social SciencesAssessment integral part of the learning process: 4
Assessment stimulates ownership: 5
Assessment prepares for role in society: 2
Level: Programme component
What VU taxonomy?
Programme specific skills in applying knowledge and understandingInterpersonal skills
Oral communication
Written communication
Own reflexive attitude and responsibility in society
Responsible for own study career and study success
Which total group size?
More than one hundredBetween fifty and one hundred
Up to fifty
Up to twenty five