CSM Student and Staff handbook

2.6 Assignments and assessment

2.6.1 Assignments: CSM framework

2.6.2 Assignments: CSM framework for assignments marking and feedback

2.6.3 Submission, marking and feedback turnaround time

2.6.4 Your needs for teaching and assessment

 

2.6 Assignments and assessment

2.6.1 Assignments: CSM framework

An assignment is an exercise not carried out under controlled conditions that must be completed independently following lecturer advise, e.g. writing an essay, fieldwork, or a lab report. Each module at CSM typically has 1 to 2 assignments per 15 credits. The module leader will explain all assignments associated with a module to you at the start of that module. They will give you a summary sheet (based on a CSM-standard template – 9.5) for each assignment that will explain the nature of the task set, the deadline for its submission, the contribution it will make to the final module mark, its assessment criteria and the methods of feedback that will be used to help you improve. Any length restrictions for assignments should be stated as page limits (not as word limits). Assignment summary sheets will be given to you at the start of the module, but the lecturer will also direct you towards the module ELE page where all assignment information (including pdf copies of the summary sheets) is documented. All assignments must be completed following the CSM citation and referencing style outlined in 9.7.

Assignments contain one of two types of assessment:

  • Formative assessment, which provides you with an opportunity to complete a task and receive feedback on how you did without penalty, i.e. the assessment does not contribute to the final module mark.
  • Summative assessment, where the task set is marked. You still receive feedback on your efforts, but the mark given will contribute towards the final module mark. 

 

2.6.2 Assignments: CSM framework for assignments marking and feedback

Assessment and feedback for CSM assignments should be provided using marking proforma sheets designed using National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level 4 to 7 guidelines (where Level 4 corresponds to Stage 1, or Year 1). Generic marking proforma templates containing assessment criteria are used, where appropriate, by module coordinators to design bespoke marking proforma tailored to the tasks set for an assignment. The relevant marking proforma will be explained to you when you receive it along with the corresponding assignment summary sheet at the start of a module.

 

2.6.3 Submission, marking and feedback turnaround time

Assignments are either submitted online using eBART, Turnitin or as a hard copy with your BART top copy sheet at Info at penryn, based in the Peter Lanyon Building.

All summative assessment (assignments and exams) is moderated at CSM. Moderation is the process used to assure that assessment outcomes are fair and reliable and that assessment criteria have been applied consistently. At CSM we moderate at least 10% of the work or 10 pieces of work across the range of marks awarded by the first marker, whichever is greater.

Double marking is employed for all dissertation project work at CSM. When employed, the two markers will grade the work independently, and then will meet to agree a final mark. If they cannot agree a final mark a third marker will be used.

You will receive feedback on all assessments submitted within three weeks. You will therefore receive feedback and a mark within 15 working days of the submission date, which includes all dates within term time, excluding University closure dates.

Your lecturers are not required to provide feedback outside of term time, nor is it expected that you should be available to receive feedback outside of term time. For coursework submitted within the first two terms, the three-week turnaround is a universal requirement. Any assessment with a Summer Term hand-in date does not need to be returned to you until the final day of that term unless otherwise agreed with the student(s) involved.

When the work is submitted within two weeks of the start of a vacation (e.g. Christmas or Easter breaks) the deadline is the latter date of either: 15 working days (defined as weekdays which are not designated university holidays) or the Friday at the end of the first week of the following term.

By handing in late, without mitigation, you forfeit the right to receive feedback within three weeks. Late submissions, without mitigation, must be returned to the student within 25 working days (5 weeks) with the five-week turnaround beginning at the point of the late submission date. If you have been granted an extension following submission of mitigating circumstances, the three-week turnaround time begins at the point of the extended-submission date.

 

2.6.4 Your needs for teaching and assessment

When you arrive, we will ask you about any special educational needs, illnesses, disabilities or other conditions that you have that might affect your ability to learn and undertake assessment. If you have any such conditions it is also vitally important that you contact Accessibility Services (Section 8) to undergo a formal assessment so that your needs can be fully accounted for and that special equipment, software or services are made available to you. Please note that evidence must be provided when requesting any provion.

A range of specific exams arrangements may be made for students who requrie prvision due to a disability, learning difference or injury, such as standard additional time allowances for students with dyslexia, provision of a computer for exams, or services of an amanuensis. Students must contct Accessibility Services to have these provisions agreed and put in place. Please note that there are very strict deadlines for new applications to ensure they are in place in time for your exmas. Dates will be advertised at the Info Point, or on their ELE webpage

 

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