Learning-Oriented Assessment and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning: A Review of Excellence in University Assessment by David Carless

Abstract

This book by David Carless, Professor of Education at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), will be invaluable for at least three groups of people. First, it is essential reading for all teachers who work in higher education, given that assessment drives learning: assessment tasks are “key drivers of [students’] efforts and learning approaches”, as Carless puts it elsewhere (2015b, p. 964). Second, those interested in the scholarly study of assessment and feedback will find a lot of thought-provoking analysis of relevant practices; moreover, the model of learning-oriented assessment that underpins the book is a powerful vehicle for thinking about this complex and important topic. And finally, because of the emphasis on making practice public and teaching visible, the book is valuable for thinking about ways in which to share and disseminate teaching practice so as to scale up quality enhancement. (Abstract taken from first paragraph of document)