Changing assessment practices in higher education: Assessment literacy, culture and significant social interactions

This research investigates assessment cultures across multiple settings to determine how change leaders in higher education can affect change in assessment practice. It presents the first empirical investigation of assessment culture, with data drawn from multiple international sites evidencing the existence of assessment micro-cultures. It establishes thresholds in assessment concepts, demonstrates the value of social networks for achieving change in assessment practices and draws the connection between sustained assessment change and the scholarship of teaching and learning. Synthesis of findings led to the creation of an assessment change framework to inform ongoing work in assessment change in higher education.