Student Learning and Assessment Are Inextricably Linked

SUMMARY All assessment practices reflect a number of assumptions relating to the nature of learning and the purpose of assessment. If educational institutions intend to equip graduates with attributes necessary for professional practice, for example critical thinking and lifelong learning capabilities, then current assessment pratices must be examined. Teaching, learning and assessment are inextricably linked and assessment is the most significant motivator for learning. A number of innovative approaches to assessment have been implemented at Queensland Unviersity of Technology. This paper describes initiatives such as project-based learning, student-generated examinations, peer assessment and multiple-choice questions.