Offering students choice

Discipline Area

Economics

Key assessment issue addressed

Student-Centred Assessment

The initiative

As much as possible, the major component of the assessment in the subjects that I present is a written report by the students on a topic of their choice for a client of their choice. Early in semester, students are expected to submit a proposal for their major report which, in consultation with the academic staff, is refined to become the topic of the major report with clearly defined expectations of content and depth of analysis. Such expectations generally include an analysis of the current 'state of play' of the nominated issue, an overview of the various opinions held about the issue in the community, an informed economic analysis of the issue and an instruction to develop a range of strategies that would lead to an improved attainment of desired outcomes.

The reason for the initiative's effectiveness

The initiative ensures that the assessment is relevant and useful by providing a practical application of the theories and models developed in the subject that takes into account the previous experience of the students and enables them to actively participate in the learning process.

Further details

Gerald McBride
Economics Lecturer
School of International Business
City West Campus
University of South Australia
Email: gerald.mcbride@unisa.edu.au