Edinburgh Napier University

  Liz McDowell and Say Sambell focus on the importance of assessment for learning. Rather than simply adding new assessment techniques to existing entrenched practices that are seen to encourage learner dependence on their teachers and assign learners a passive role in the assessment and learning process, the authors argue that, to be successful, changes towards assessment for learning have to be more comprehensive, focusing on the entire learning environment. Based on their work at the Centre for Excellence in Assessment in Learning at Northumbria University, they introduce six elements of a productive and positive assessment for learning environment designed to intentionally foster student autonomy in learning and learning for the longer term.