Overview
First introduced at Aberdeen in 2022, Transforming the Experience of Students Through Assessment (TESTA) is a method of programmatic review which maps Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs), assessment and feedback practices across a degree programme to identify areas of enhancement and effective practice in higher education.
How does it work?
A core element of TESTA is the collection of data on assessment and feedback practices at a course level. These data sets are collated to offer staff a holistic view of the student experience across a degree programme (UG/PGT). Data are collected and recorded on course data sheets by CAD-supervised Student Assistants (via guest access to MyAberdeen) and student questionnaires (Levels 3 & 4 if UG). The CAD-facilitated staff programmatic review session (2 hours) brings teaching staff together to reflect upon current practices and potential areas of enhancement. The reviews are designed to create an invaluable opportunity for teaching staff to discuss assessment and feedback practices collaboratively.
The potential benefits of TESTA
By adopting TESTA , the University and its academic Schools are aiming to enhance the student learning experience by increasing student engagement through varied, inclusive and accessible assessment and feedback approaches. For both students and staff, TESTA presents the opportunity to identify areas of over-assessment, with the aim of reducing workload and enhancing efficiency.
TESTA at the University of Aberdeen
At the University, TESTA is facilitated by CAD (led by Dr Mary Pryor and Dr Chloe Alexander), working closely with the School Directors of Education, Discipline leads and Undergraduate Pathway / Programme Co-ordinators. CAD-supervised Student Assistants undertake data retrieval, thus embedding student participation in TESTA. The process has been streamlined to meet the needs of participating disciplines, including preparations for re-accreditations, curriculum reviews and Internal Teaching Reviews (ITRs).
Further information on TESTA is available in this infographic, or from the TESTA team (cad@abdn.ac.uk).