Observation

This page describes an implementation of an assessment method by a lecturer or group of lecturers. The content of the page is the result of an interview conducted through the RAFT project in DIT in the 2013-14 Academic Year. 

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Description

Observation of task eg laboratory exercise or simulated situation likely to be encountered in professional practice. 

What have you found are the advantages of using this form of assessment? 

  • Simulates authentic experience
  • Provides opportunity for feedback on wide range of skills
  • Enables practice before real situation
  • Shared responsibility for tasks

What have you found are the dis-advantages of using this form of assessment?

  • Difficult to organize
  • As a one off exercise, can be stressful 
  • Enables practice before real situation
  • Requires explicit assessment criteria
  • Shared responsibility for tasks for judging performanc

Alternatives

  • OSCE (clinical settings) 
  • Role playing used in combination with other assessments eg application writing, presentations etc
  • Simulations 
  • practical tasks eg laboratory exercises
  • Group working strategies

Assessment Time

  • Preparation time (lecturer): High
  • Student time to complete: Medium 
  • Ease of Feedback: Relies on explicit and realistic criteria against which performance can be judged. Sometimes these can be negotiated. Can enable peer and self-review/reflection.

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