I am currently looking at the way in which examinations are being
conducted in light of modularisation and changes in the external
examiner system.  Mindful of the massive increase in the amount of work,
which will be caused, we must make greater efforts to rationalise and
save resources and a number of suggestions have come to light in this
respect.

I would appreciate comments of list members on one such suggestion,
which I will try and summarise below:

It has been pointed out by a member of staff that approximately 80% of
students get the classification of degree that accurately reflects their
ability and the consistent effort which they have put in over the
duration of their degree.  This being the case, why not scrap
examinations altogether for this 80%, and make recommendations about
their classification based solely on the knowledge that staff have of
the students' ability?  In one sense, this places greater emphasis on
students' coursework, contribution to lectures, seminars, tutorials and
practicals, but saves a hell of a lot of time and effort come the
summer.

The system works like this:
The departmental committee considers each student during the Easter
Vacation of the final year, and agrees classifications based on its
knowledge of the students. Students are then offered a class of degree,
and may either accept this, thereby saving themselves the hassle of
exams, or reject the class (if they believe they can do better).

For example, a student whose coursework has regularly been given marks
in the 50s may be offered a lower second. The student can either 'stick'
with the 2ii or 'twist' for a 2i (in the knowledge that a 3rd is also
possible if they mess up during exams).

An exception to this rule would be first class students, who would be
offered a 2i and advised to take the exams.  Another exception is that
we would never fail students (but, as at present, ask the weakest
students to leave before their final year).

I appreciate that this is radical - but it is perhaps taking 'continuous
assessment' to its logical conclusion.

Any comments from colleagues, particularly those with similar schemes,
would be most welcome.

(We have a meeting to discuss this at 2pm today - 1st April - so
messages this morning would be very helpful)

Iestyn
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Iestyn G Henson
Administrative Assistant
University of Wales Swansea
Singleton Park                              Tel: 01792 295875
SWANSEA                                   Fax: 01792 295157
SA2 8PP                                       Email:
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