Coursework is problematic in many subjects where it is prone to 
plagiarism, especially with the ability to download huge amounts of text.

Coursework in the creative disciplines is unproblematic and the only 
valid way to examine somebody's ability to investigate problems and 
synthesise responses. If it takes a month to make a video you cannot 
reproduce the challenge in a 3-hour exam and you cannot, that way, test 
the student's insight and creative ability, let alone their ability to 
operate holistically when dealing with complex problems. Plagiarism is 
not a problem as long as there is a proper programme of supervision 
which means that the work has been observed in progress. That's 
relatively easy and normal for us where we see the work at its different 
development stages.

Science disciplines (in some places at least) are hooked on the idea 
that practice follows theory, my view is that, even in their world, 
understanding of theory and how to use it is at least partly tacit and 
often needs practical experience to make it work. Donald Schon has 
explained how theoretical knowledge is transformed by practice and how 
the most important professional knowledge (eg of the teacher or manager) 
is performative rather than theoretical.  Our disciplines were in 
existence well before most university departments were thought of (our 
school of design in Sheffield started in 1847 and the next part of our 
university to be formed was the Education school in 1905) and our 
tradition has survived and made an important contribution to society 
because of, not despite, our adherence to pedagogy through practice. 
Eduardo Corte-Real will explain how that tradition goes back even 
further to concepts of science in the Renaissance that connect very 
closely with our current "churn" about practice-led research.

But I find it slightly strange that we need to explain these things to 
ourselves.

best wishes from Sheffield, Home of Bertie Bassett* another survivor 
from the 1840s
Chris

*(http://www.cadburyschweppes.com/EN/Brands/About/Confectionery/factsheet_bassetts.htm) 


********************
Professor Chris Rust
Head of Art and Design Research Centre
Sheffield Hallam University, UK
+44 114 225 2686
[log in to unmask]
www.chrisrust.net




PR Hodge wrote:
> Colleagues
>
> Examination versus coursework can be a vile and divisive subject in many institutions, not least my own whereby colleagues from other faculties will deride the tradition of coursework (in design) as opposed to the integrity of the examination system.
>
> Your views would be most welcome. Is a 3 hour examination a more 'honest' approach to considerating a students knowledge (in design areas) or are the current formative approaches more apt?
>
> I look forward to your responses.
>
>
> Robin
> Robin Hodge BA(Hons) MA, PG Dip (Media), FAETC
> Associate Head of School, Creative Arts
> Centre for Creative and Performing Arts
> School of Creative Arts
> Faculty of Arts
> University of Ulster at Magee
>
> T  +00 44 (0) 28 7137 5572 (L/Derry)
>
>
> E  [log in to unmask]
>
>
>