Assessment Tasks & Library Services

In Term 2 of 2017,  I enjoyed a session with colleagues where the focus was on improving assessment tasks. One concept that was emphasised was the need to be explicit in assessment of learning.

There are many factors to consider when organising an assessment task like outcomes, task descriptions and marking criteria.

But one thing I have observed is that assessment tasks may require people to use a list of prescribed resources or sources e.g. primary sources in history.

When I was at university, an assessment task would include recommended readings or locations to source your information.

It made me think, should a school be required as part of an assessment policy suggest some resources to aid students in locating, selecting and utilising the right resources plus available library services?

Or at the very least (and helps develop independence with research) is to guide students as to what the library collections offer e.g. Sources on Medieval Europe are located on the 930's shelves in the library.

I have also had the idea too that it should be mandated that students utilise several printed resources as a requirement for an assessment task, given the dependence by many students on just internet sites for their research. It is good to suggest one printed source, but for a challenge, make it three sources.

It is something I would like to do in a full time appointment, work with Teachers and heads of Department to inform students of library services for the assessment task of available resources and support services.