Consistency in Assessment

It is important to aim for consistency when evaluating students' clinical performance. Some strategies to ensure consistency in assessment include:

• Regular training in the use of the assessment instrument: Make sure you are familiar with your profession's assessment tool. Universities run regular workshops on discipline-specific assessment tools. Even if you are familiar with the assessment it may be worth attending a training course as a refresher. 
• Gather evidence on the student's performance to support your evaluation. 
• Use a process of assessment that is planned and evaluated: Ensure that you have scored each clinical competency with a clear score supported by evidence gathered during the placement. At the beginning of the placement, schedule in when the assessments will occur and discuss the assessment with your student. 
• Continue to develop your assessment skills,using reflective practice
• Remain clear about what standard is required to pass a competency.
• If there are multiple Clinical Educators, assign one clinician as the lead assessor to coordinate the process.
• If necessary, discuss the assessment process with the University Clinical Coordinator. They can review the evidence that you have gathered and help come to a decision as to where the student should be graded.

(Griffith University Clinical Education Resource Manual, School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, 2012)

References

Griffith University Clinical Education Resource Manual, (2012). School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Griffith University.