Post on 17-Jun-2020
Plenary Panel Discussion IIStandards Based Assessment and Honours Classification – the Path ahead for UGC-funded Institutions
Chairperson: Professor Michael T. ProsserThe University of Hong Kong
Standards Based AssessmentDiscussants: Professor Carmel McNaught
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Mr. James RiceLingnan University
Dr. C.S. TongHong Kong Baptist University
Professor Wang Wen ChungThe Hong Kong Institute of Education
Honours ClassificationDiscussants: Dr. Catherine C.H. Chiu
City University of Hong Kong
Professor Esmonde F. CorbetThe University of Hong Kong
Professor Suleyman DemokanThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Dr. David MoleThe Hong Kong University of Science andTechnology
1
Catherine C H ChiuAssociate Dean (Undergraduate Curriculum)College of Humanities and Social Sciences
City University of Hong Kong
March 1, 2010The University of Hong Kong
334 Symposium on Standards Based Assessmentand Honours Classification
Honours Classification
2
Classification Methodology at CityUBachelor’s Degree withHonours
PGC/PGD/Master’sDegree AD/D/HD
First class Distinction
Upper Second class Credit
Lower Second class Pass
Third class
Pass (without Honours)
∗ Classifications are based on CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average)
∗Worked out a consistent approach to classification-CGPA mapping within the university
3
Does honours classify broadlevels of achievement or narrowdisciplinary levels?
CGPA is based on all courses taken bystudents looking at broad levels ofachievement
Do we need both GPA andHonours Classification? Whatdifferent roles do they / shouldthey play?
Yes, we need both.CGPA how well a student hasperformed in courses.Honours Classification tells whether astudent is ranked in the top x% of graduatesfrom an institution useful for employersand when educational institutions acceptcandidates for higher studies
How does honours classificationincorporate generic attributes,service courses, interdisciplinarycourses double majors etc
Honours classification based on theachievement of all courses has incorporatedgeneric attributes, interdisciplinary courses,double majors etc
Issues
4
Concluding Comments
∗ Honours classifications are still useful as different universities have different GPA systems
∗ Universities might consider to adopt a common terminology in our award classification
1
Honours Classification
Esmonde Corbet 高弼文Chair Assessment Sub-committee
Member Steering Committee on 4-Year UG CurriculumThe University of Hong Kong.
8th 334 Symposium
Standards Based Assessment &Honours Classification
1 March 2010
2
HonoursHonours Classification Classification
• To continue or not was discussed.
• System to be retained, at least for the time-being- useful for screening by employers- useful for screening by universities using
or familiar with the British system
3
HonoursHonours Classification Classification
Keep an eye on the UK introduction of theHigher Education Achievement Report (HEAR)
4
HonoursHonours Classification Classification
What does honours denote?1. Broad classification of overall student
achievement• Core curriculum• Major(s)• Minor(s)• Required/elective• Capstone/experiential
2. Achievement in major discipline(s)
5
HonoursHonours Classification Classification
HKU has used GPAs since 1998.
From 2012 weightings of GPA to bestandardized in the determination of honoursclassifications
andall courses to carry equal weighting, includingfailed courses.
6
HonoursHonours Classification Classification
At present award of Honours appears to bebased on weighted GPA.
7
HonoursHonours Classification Classification
If GPA converts to HonoursWhy have both?Other approaches to awarding Honours maybe considered.