Advancing assessment in enabling programs: insights from the Enabling Assessment SIG

Advancing assessment in enabling programs: Insights from the Enabling Assessment SIG

Assessment in enabling programs is pivotal in equipping students for university success. The Enabling Assessment Special Interest Group (SIG) was founded to enable educators to share their assessment practices and facilitate research to improve student outcomes. This poster highlights the SIG's shared practices and research projects.

This year, SIG members have shared their assessment practices in various areas, including generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in student assignments, its impact on results and alternative types of assessments to combat GenAI. Presentations have also focused on maths assessment in enabling programs and overcoming low mathematics self-efficacy. Members of the SIG have also discussed designing opportunities for students to proactively seek out and generate feedback as well as effective practices in curriculum development, assessments and, feedback and communication in addressing integrity challenges in academic writing. These presentations have stimulated discussions among SIG members, leading to new research projects to enhance enabling assessment practices.

Two new research projects began among SIG members this year. The first focuses on feedback literacy and its role in enabling programs, as well as contemporary university education, more broadly. The second examines why students use or do not use GenAI in their assignments and its impact on their performance. Additionally, a third ongoing project to identify the design principles of enabling assessments is nearing completion.

Through these activities, rich discussions, and research projects, the Enabling Assessment SIG seeks to advance the field of enabling assessment and improve outcomes for enabling students.