Developing Assessment: involving the sessional clinical teacher

Bateman, H., Thomason, J.M., McCracken, G., Ellis, J. (2016) Developing assessment: involving the sessional clinical teacher. The British Dental Journal, 220, 129-132. doi: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2016.95

This article describes an approach the School of Dental Sciences have implemented to address the challenges associated with developing assessments for the undergraduate BDS curriculum.

Developing authentic, valid and reliable assessments is resource intensive and essential, as is developing assessments at an appropriate standard for the professional examination to which they contribute.

We believe aspects of assessment development could be enhanced by involvement of sessional clinical teachers. These teachers have a good appreciation of the required standard of achievement, together with significant experience of working with both undergraduate students and in many cases recently qualified dentists.

Our approach has been to identify opportunities by active timetable management where contributions could be made by this group of clinical teachers to assessment writing, validation standard-setting and utilisation of assessments. We have recognised that this process must be facilitated by appropriate support and training as well as an investment in planning.

Miss Heidi Bateman, School of Dental Sciences

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