Introducing Patchwork Assessment into Natural Science curricula

Rogers, Steven L; Knight, Peter G

Abstract

Patchwork Assessment (or Patchwork Text Assessment) is an alternative to exams or traditional coursework, and may be particularly appropriate for introduction as part of a module being redesigned for flexible digital delivery. It involves students creating or curating numerous “patches” of content or activity as they progress through the module, and using them in combination as the basis of a final summative assessment (the Patchwork) that adds up to more than the sum of its component patches. It is not merely a portfolio, as the
components themselves are not summatively assessed. Advantages include opportunities for improvements in inclusivity, student engagement, and the deployment of strategies for generative learning. Disadvantages include unfamiliarity to both students and staff, and potentially significant workload in developing the new assessments and inducting students into the process. We introduced patchwork Assessments into two undergraduate modules, one in Geography, one in Geology, as part of a redevelopment of teaching and assessment during the 2020 Covid lockdowns. Patchwork Assessments were found to encourage student engagement with both course content and related materials. They stimulated dialog and conversations between staff and students. Some of the work submitted was of such high quality that it could be included as sample class materials for future cohorts.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 1, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023-12
• Deposit Date: Jan 29, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 29, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Academic Development and Education
• Print ISSN: 2051-3593
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.21252/gvkg-7e47
• Keywords: patchwork assessment; natural science curriculum
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.21252/gvkg-7e47