8.2
Do students know what is expected of them

The last SWS highlighted a variation in practice of assessment and feedback. Many representatives commented on the lack of consistency between tutors in relation to the feedback they provide on written assessments, especially regarding the amount of written commentary and the length of time it takes for work to be returned. The results from the 2007 NSS suggest that final year students are satisfied with the feedback they receive to help them with future work, and examples of good practice in IMSAS and History have been brought to the Union’s attention by representatives. However, dialogue at the focus group held to discuss Learning and Teaching and feedback from student representatives demonstrates there is still dissatisfaction amongst students; in general, tutors need to abide by the guidance set out in the Student Charter in regards to the time frame for returning work within.

The Institutional Audit report (2004) recommended the variability of assessment practice as an area for improvement. The University followed this up with a review of assessment procedures and practices and published an institutional Assessment Framework, which contains key information about assessment practices and principles for academic departments to be guided by. Despite these measures there still seems to be some variability in assessment practice at Kent. This is highlighted in the results from the 2007 Kent Union Satisfaction Survey: