Project Objectives

This project aims at exploring and crystallizing the meaning of assessment in science subjects in the OBA context. Operational assessment model with specific tools, which utilizes the merits of both the norm-and criterion-referencing approaches, are formulated.

Description of process, outcomes or deliverable

Many courses in Science have adopted the OBA Assessment Model. In particular, six Science programmes including Biochemistry, Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Environmental Science, Food & Nutritional Sciences, and Molecular Biotechnology have used the OBA Assessment Model to plan the assessment activities and to formulate grade descriptors for their courses. The total number of courses that have used the model is over 120.

Evaluation

Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from students in the pilot case studies. Students were generally satisfied with the OBA Assessment Model. Students also provided a rich set of qualitative comments in relation to whether assessment should be norm- or criterion-referenced, or a balance between the two. The results suggest that most students prefer a balanced model.

Dissemination, diffusion and impact

The project results have been presented in department-, faculty- and university-level seminars and workshops for more than 7 times. A project website has been constructed to disseminate and diffuse the project results.