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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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HonoursHonours Classification Classification

Keep an eye on the UK introduction of theHigher Education Achievement Report (HEAR)

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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)

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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.

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HonoursHonours Classification Classification

At present award of Honours appears to bebased on weighted GPA.

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HonoursHonours Classification Classification

If GPA converts to HonoursWhy have both?Other approaches to awarding Honours maybe considered.