6 years on: a critical evaluation of the CSU Assessment Policy based on combining norm and criterion referencing

Leonora Ritter
Charles Sturt University

Keywords: assessment; norm referencing; criterion referencing

In 2000, after extensive staff consultation, CSU adopted a new assessment policy based on norm and criterion referencing. This policy is now being evaluated. This presentation will explore the relative merits of norm and criterion referencing as experienced in the CSU context, with particular reference to: effects on learning, equity, potential for litigation and combating grade inflation. It will then discuss the major challenge of identifying criteria and setting appropriate standards. In conclusion it will identify a number of areas of assessment that remain problematic, including assessing: generic skills, attendance, participation and group work.