Assessment practices of two university professors: a study using observations and narratives built on class activities

Abstract:

The main purpose of this study was to understand teaching and assessment practices of two university professors of Arts and Humanities. Thus, the following pedagogical aspects were analyzed: a) teaching organization and classroom dynamics; b) teaching and assessment tasks as well as professors and students' roles; c) feedback; and d) utilization of assessments. Data were collected through classroom observations and both professors and students' interviews. Narratives showed that although professors shared similar pedagogical perspectives, they made use of different teaching and assessment practices. This study allowed one to conclude that well defined structured classes with clear purposes; diversified teaching and assessment dynamics; utilization of carefully selected tasks; students' active participation in the learning and assessment processes; systematic distribution of high quality feedback; utilization of formative assessment; and utilization of self and combined modes of assessment are closely related to better learning, according to both professors and students' accounts. Besides, this research enabled one to come up with some reflections on the tasks nature, students' participation, feedback and quality of learning.

Keywords:
teaching practices; assessment practices; formative assessment; higher education