Assessment Consultation

January 20, 2010

Assessment is a dynamic and evolving component of the undergraduate learning experience. Recognizing that conventional assessment practices may not adequately serve the changing needs of students and the changing expectations of university graduates, the Steering Committee on 4-Year Undergraduate Curriculum has put forward eight recommendations for consultation with Faculties, students and other stakeholders. Consultation is anticipated to complete in January and the Steering Committee plans to present its recommendations to Senate for consideration at its meeting in March 2010. The recommendations focus on the following areas:

University and Faculty Assessment Policies
Assessment Approaches
Forms of Assessment
Capstone Experience and Graduation Requirement
GPA Weightings and Honours Classification
Grading and GPAs at HKU
Provision of Feedback
Treatment of Failures

Student Consultation

On January 20, 2010 Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) Professor Amy B.M. Tsui and Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Albert Chau met with over 20 students representing Faculty Societies, Students’ Associations of residence halls, the Independent Clubs Association and the Central Executive Committee of the HKU Students’ Union. Students shared their views on the recommendations put forward by the Steering Committee and had an open discussion with Professor Tsui and Dr. Chau on issues ranging from workload concern driven by diverse forms of assessment to provision of feedback from teachers. Input from students, as well as those from Faculties, will be considered by the Steering Committee when it finalizes its recommendations to Senate.