Standard for providers’ responsibility for the

authenticity and academic integrity of student work

submitted for assessment

Dr Reg Allen

CEO Tasmanian Qualifications Authority

Authenticity and Academic Integrity

• The work is mine, except ...o another person contributed ideas, words,

imageso I’ve used another person’ data, words,

images, ideas…

• and I’ve been specific, open and honest about this

2

Context

• Educational and assessment value (validity) of folios/assignments

• Easy access to material

• Collaboration - group work

• German minister resigns

• South Australia professor resigns

3

Context – how some students see it

• “It’s just that I left out some referencing.”

• “It’s homage (I’m post-modern).”

• “I’ve listed a bibliography.”

• “I don’t remember where I got this.”

• “I left something out.”

• “My teacher said it was ok.”

4

The Standard

• Set by Authority for TQA level 3 courses

• Full implementation by 2012

• Provider is responsible for ensuringo authenticity and integrity of work submitted for

assessment (internal/external)o TQA can accept work submitted for external

assessment with confidence in the student and teacher declaration

5

Provider Procedure

• Is documented

• Must include:o how and when students learn o submission procedureso teacher knowledge of each student’s work, skills,

knowledgeo checking/verifying procedureso what to do when teacher is not availableo student review

6

External Assessment Folios – Declaration

• Student declaration (authenticity and integrity)

• Teacher declaration:o on behalf of providero submitted on timeo procedures followedo good grounds for confidence in authenticity

and integrity

7

Challenges• Learning from previous school experience

• Reward for effort

• “Everybody does it.”

• Teacher uncertainty about difference between feedback and material contribution

• Teacher not available to sign declaration

• School - not teacher - responsibility

8

Discussion• Variations between providers

• Design of procedures (nature, timing)

• Implementation

• Teacher declaration

• Verification proceduresoWhen to raise questions (criteria, principles)oWhat to do

• Student review

9