The Impact of Assessment on Student Learning

Abstract

In the context of a worldwide paradigm shift towards student-centred outcomes-based approaches, and at a time when many UK departments are developing learning, teaching and assessment strategies, this article reviews what the research literature says about the impact of assessment on students’ learning. It then proceeds to translate that into practical suggestions for practice with the specific intention that this should help to inform departments in the development of appropriate assessment strategies and learner-centred assessment practices which meet the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) general principles on assessment.