Session 3 - Strand 1

Abstract:

Providing students with meaningful assessment choice is increasingly recognised as a key mechanism for enhancing inclusivity in higher education. Allowing learners to select from a range of assessment formats acknowledges the diversity of student strengths, experiences, and cultural backgrounds. Flexibility assessment choice helps reduce structural barriers that can disadvantage particular groups, including students with disabilities and those from nontraditional educational pathways. These benefits contribute to a more inclusive curriculum that recognises and values the diverse ways in which students learn and demonstrate understanding. Aligned with the principles of the Connected Curriculum, Assessment Choice pilot project explored inclusive approaches to assessment design. The Assessment Choice pilot ran from October 2024 to August 2025. A total of 20 undergraduate modules from all Faculties were involved in the pilot with participation from 15 Module Leaders and over 500 students. Results show that students who chose alternative assessments achieved comparable or slightly higher outcomes than those choosing standard formats. Female students and students with caring responsibilities were more likely to choose alternative assessments. Greatest uptake of assessment choice was observed amongst disabled students, and their achievement was notably improved through alternative assessment formats. Conversely, mature Asian male students with no caring responsibilities demonstrated strong performance in standard assessments. Module leaders reported stronger confidence in designing fair and authentic assessments.