Assessing creative process and product in higher education

Watson, Jan S. (2014) Assessing creative process and product in higher education. Practitioner Research in Higher Education, 8 (1). pp. 89-100.

Preview

PDF - Published Version Download (398kB) | Preview

Abstract

This article examines how Education undergraduates explored their creative processes through the planning and presentation of an artwork. In particular, it addresses how they negotiated the demands of an assessment method which focused on both the reflective process and the finished product. This investigation is part of a more extensive study of creativity and engagement in Higher Education; it is underpinned by the idea that all students have the potential to be creative if they are provided with innovative learning experiences and open-ended assessment tasks. The empirical data was obtained from semi-structured interviews (n=30), students’ reflective sketchbooks and observations. The findings support the view that students are more motivated and engaged when they have access to alternative, creative assessment opportunities which involve experimentation and risk-taking in a supportive learning environment. The data shows that they value assessment methods which enable them to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and skills in different ways. However, concern about the perceived subjectivity of such an assessment process, and the emphasis placed on meeting the learning outcomes, initially presented a barrier to creative development. One implication is that the conflict between creativity and assessment might be partially resolved if students played a more active part in both the formulation of summative assessment criteria and the on-going formative assessment process.

Item Type:	Article
Journal / Publication Title:	Practitioner Research in Higher Education
Publisher:	University of Cumbria, UK
ISSN:	1755-1382
Depositing User:	Linda Shore
Date Deposited:	21 Feb 2014 08:26
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2024 12:15
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/1494

Downloads