Using in class small-group workshops as an assessment in large first year modules

This paper reports the preliminary findings from the final phase of a study designed to examine the use of small in-class group workshops in large first year psychology modules. The aim of this study is to develop, manualise and evaluate the workshops for use as both formative and summative assessment in large modules. The overall study includes three distinct phases. Phase 1 involved the development of a manual describing the delivery of in-class workshops in large first year modules. Drawing on a review of existing literature, as well as documentary analysis, observation and reflection the manual details the rationale for and implementation of this approach. The aim of this paper is to describe the workshops as a module of engagement and assessment and to report the findings of Phase 3, which examines the contribution of this approach as summative assessment and students’ experiences of the task.