CSFE Topic 4: Putting together an assessment

What is backwards planning?

A time management strategy where you start with the assessment due date and work backwards to plan when each task should be completed.

Why is backwards planning effective?

It breaks large tasks into smaller steps, reduces stress and improves time management.

What should you do at the beginning of each semester to stay organised?

List all assessment due dates, note the assessment weighting and decide when each task should be started.

Why should assessment weighting be considered when planning?

Higher weighted assessments usually require more preparation and should be started earlier.

Why should you use a calendar or planner at university?

To organise assessment due dates, manage your workload and avoid leaving tasks until the last minute.

Why is colour-coding a planner useful?

It helps organise different units and makes assessment deadlines easier to identify.

Why should you attend the Collaborate session or watch the recording before starting an assessment?

To understand the assessment expectations and clarify what is required.

Why should you read an assessment brief carefully before starting?

To understand exactly what the assessment requires and avoid missing important instructions.

What should you highlight when reading an assessment brief?

Key words, essential instructions, required readings, teaching standards (if required), word count, formatting requirements and submission instructions.

Why are key words in an assessment brief important?

They tell you exactly what the question is asking you to do.

What should you do after reading an assessment brief?

Summarise the task in your own words, write down any questions and ask your tutor early if anything is unclear.

Why is it important to ask questions early?

It gives you time to clarify misunderstandings before completing the assessment.

Why should required unit readings always be included?

Because they are essential sources specified by the unit unless instructed otherwise.

What is the purpose of an essay?

To present an argument or analysis.

What is the purpose of a report?

To investigate a topic and present information systematically.

What is a literature review?

An assessment that analyses and compares research on a particular topic.

What is reflective writing?

Writing that reflects on personal learning or experiences, often written in first person.

What is a case study?

An assessment that analyses a specific situation or scenario.

What is an annotated bibliography?

A collection of research sources that are summarised and evaluated.

What is a portfolio?

A collection of work that demonstrates learning over time.

Why do different assessment types require different structures?

Because each assessment has a different purpose and expectations.

What is the purpose of a rubric?

To show how marks are awarded for an assessment.

When should you use the rubric?

Before, during and after writing your assessment.

What is the first step when using a rubric?

Read each assessment criterion.

Why should you compare the High Distinction descriptors with lower grades?

To understand what is required for the highest standard of work.

Why should you check the rubric before submitting?

To make sure your work meets all the assessment criteria.

What should you do if you do not understand part of the rubric?

Ask your tutor for clarification.

What should you check before submitting an assessment?

Spelling and grammar, completion of all task requirements, alignment with the rubric, logical organisation, correct referencing, a complete reference list, and the correct file name and submission format.

Why is proofreading important before submitting?

It helps identify spelling, grammar and formatting errors that could reduce marks.

Why is correct referencing important before submission?

It demonstrates academic integrity and acknowledges the original authors.

Why is feedback important?

It helps improve future assessments by identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

How should you respond to feedback from a tutor?

Read it carefully, reflect on it and use it to improve future work.

Why should you ask your tutor about feedback if you are unsure?

They can explain the feedback and help you understand how to improve.

A student starts an assignment the night before it is due. Which planning strategy did they fail to use?

Backwards planning.

A student reads only the assessment question and ignores the formatting instructions. What important document have they not used properly?

The assessment brief.

A student submits an assignment without checking the rubric. What mistake have they made?

They did not compare their work against the marking criteria before submitting.

A student ignores tutor feedback because they are disappointed with their mark. Why is this a poor approach?

Feedback is designed to help improve future assessments.

A student uses only internet sources and ignores the required unit readings. Why could this affect their marks?

Required unit readings should be included unless instructed otherwise.

A student is unsure what an assessment question means but waits until the day before it is due to ask. What should they have done instead?

Asked their tutor early after reading the assessment brief.

A student highlights key words, summarises the task in their own words and plans their timeline before writing. Which good academic practices are they demonstrating?

Reading the assessment brief carefully and using backwards planning.

What is the difference between an assessment brief and a rubric?

The assessment brief explains what you need to do, while the rubric explains how your work will be marked.

What is the difference between an essay and a report?

An essay presents an argument or analysis, while a report investigates a topic and presents information systematically.

Why is it important to match your work to the rubric instead of just answering the question?

Because the rubric shows exactly how marks are awarded.

Why is staying organised important at university?

It helps manage workload, reduce stress and improve the quality of your assessments.