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Assessment

A different type of programme requires a different type of assessment. YLS uses two main forms of assessment, formative and summative. Formative assessment provides ongoing feedback about your performance both within firm sessions and as a result of your private study. It enables you to understand where you are performing well and where you need to concentrate further efforts. Often such feedback will be informal and part of the facilitated firm sessions. On occasions there may be a ‘mark’ associated with the assessment – such marks never count towards any final qualifications.

Summative assessment is comprised of different proportions of formal unseen examinations and a learning portfolio. Formal unseen examinations are used extensively in the Foundation Stream where there are certain assessment requirements in terms of the Qualifying Law Degree. As far as possible formal examinations within the Foundation Stream will reflect the problem-based learning character of the programme. This sets the acquisition of knowledge in the context of realistic client problems.

In addition, many modules will assess student performance using learning portfolios which comprise the evidence of the learning on the module. This may be made up of many different elements. For example a student might include the preparation made for an interview with a client and the meeting notes, the research notes on the legal issues raised by a problem, minutes of the firm meeting to discuss the problem and perhaps the negotiation plan used in a negotiation.

Another important element of the learning portfolio is a narrative journal/diary which captures the student’s own reflections on the preparation and activities undertaken and what they have learned from the experience. This is designed to develop the habit of considering those things which have gone well, as well as those which have caused problems; understanding the related causes of success or failure; and thinking reflectively about those areas where improvement is required.

Last Updated: June 26, 2008 | lp534

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