Preprint
A Matter of Principle: Assessment Leadership for a Block Model Transition
SSRN, Vol.Series Paper No. 57
Southern Cross University Scholarship of Learning and Teaching Research Paper Series, Elsevier
12/06/2026
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Abstract
Assessment is a much-published area of higher education inquiry, yet few studies discuss what is required to effect institutional assessment reforms and further, to hear the voices of those who lead them. This paper describes a qualitative, collaborative narrative inquiry of a group of academic leaders at one Australian university who influenced assessment policy change during transition to a block model. Moving to an immersive block model necessitated a fundamental rethink of pedagogy, curricula, teaching delivery, and assessment of student learning. Drawing on the concept of assessment leadership as principled, cultural influence, analysis of semi-structured dialogic interviews with the change leaders shows the power in a collaborative approach. Distributed leadership and communities of practice supported sense-making and sense-giving during holistic institutional change. Within this overarching principles-based framework, three further themes were identified: the importance of whole-of-program assessment change; a move towards authentic assessment; and maintaining focus on assessment for student learning and success. Opportunities and implications are offered for other universities seeking to lead meaningful and principled assessment change to drive improved student outcomes.
Details
- Title
- A Matter of Principle: Assessment Leadership for a Block Model Transition
- Creators
- Erica Wilson - Southern Cross UniversityElizabeth Goode - Southern Cross UniversityThomas Roche - Southern Cross UniversityWendy Boyd - Southern Cross UniversityFiona Naumann - Southern Cross UniversityAndrew Rose - Southern Cross UniversityAnja Scheffers - Southern Cross UniversitySuzi C Syme - Southern Cross UniversityHelen Walsh - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- SSRN, Vol.Series Paper No. 57
- Series
- Southern Cross University Scholarship of Learning and Teaching Research Paper Series
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Identifiers
- 991013385052502368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; SCU College; Faculty of Education; Engineering; Office of the PVC (Academic Innovation); Faculty of Business, Law and Arts; Office of the PVC (Academic Quality); Law; Science; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Preprint
- Local Fields
- Original Research - SoLT