Criteria 4: Adequate Support

This element refers to the various factors and settings that influence how assessment tasks are administered and completed. This includes everything from the physical environment to psychological and emotional factors. These conditions can significantly affect the ability of students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.


UDL Principles

  • Engagement: Supportive conditions help maintain student motivation and reduce anxiety.
  • Representation: Accessible environments and accommodations ensure all students can understand and engage with the assessments.
  • Action & Expression: Fair and equitable conditions allow all students to demonstrate their abilities without unnecessary barriers.

  • Considerations

    Is adequate support, including supervision and allowed resources, provided during assessments to ensure fairness and accessibility?

    Additional Considerations:

    How does the provision of support and resources impact student performance and the fairness of the assessment?  Are students aware of the resources and support available to them?

    Original Assessment Task: Structural Analysis Exam

    Task Details:

    • Description: Students are required to complete a three-hour written exam covering various aspects of structural analysis,   including problem-solving and theoretical questions. The exam is conducted in a large lecture hall.
    • Timing: Announced at the beginning of Week 1,   scheduled for Week 12.
    • Percentage: 50%

    Issues:

    1. Insufficient Supervision: The exam is supervised by a limited number of invigilators, making it difficult to address student queries and monitor for fairness effectively.
    2. Restricted Resources: Students are only allowed to use basic calculators, and no additional reference materials are permitted, which may disadvantage those who rely on supplementary resources for problem-solving.
    3. Lack of Support: There is no provision for additional support, such as extended time or breaks, for students with disabilities or other needs, impacting their ability to perform to their best potential.

    Revised Assessment Task: Structural Analysis Exam

    Task Details:

    • Description: Students are required to complete a three-hour written exam covering various aspects of structural analysis,   including problem-solving and theoretical questions. The exam is conducted in a large lecture hall.
    • Advance Notice: Assignment details and expectations are provided at the end of the previous semester and reiterated in the first class of the current semester.
    • Timing: Announced at the end of the previous semester, scheduled for Week 12.
    • Percentage: 50%

    Changes Implemented:

    1. Enhanced Supervision: The number of invigilators is increased to ensure adequate supervision, allowing for better monitoring and timely assistance for student queries.
    2. Allowed Resources: Students are permitted to use additional reference materials, such as formula sheets and textbooks, to support their problem-solving efforts during the exam.
    3. Provision of Support: Clear guidelines are provided for students with disabilities to request additional support, such as extended time, rest breaks, or the use of assistive technologies, ensuring they can perform to their best potential.

    Improvements:

    1. Improved Supervision: Increased supervision ensures that students' queries are addressed promptly and that the exam environment is fair and orderly.
    2. Fair Access to Resources: Allowing additional reference materials supports students in applying their knowledge effectively and reduces the disadvantage for those who rely on supplementary resources.
    3. Enhanced Accessibility: Providing additional support for students with disabilities or other needs ensures that all students have a fair opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, promoting inclusivity and fairness.
    4. Better Performance: With adequate support and resources, students are more likely to perform to their best potential, leading to more accurate assessments of their understanding and skills.