Enhancing assessment and feedback in Masters projects through reflective logs and focus on project skills

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Sharif, Abdul Wadood Al-Ahad and Haw, Mark and Sypek, Katarzyna; Norton, Stuart and Stephenson, Vic, eds. (2025) Enhancing assessment and feedback in Masters projects through reflective logs and focus on project skills. In: Enhancing assessment and feedback. Advance HE, York, pp. 48-54.

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Abstract

This case study describes the redesign of Masters project assessment at the University of Strathclyde to address inadequate skills assessment and AI vulnerability in traditional dissertation reports. The new framework redistributed weightings across three components: research article (40%), continuous performance and skills assessment (40%), and presentation (20%). Central to the approach was implementing regular reflective logs with formative feedback, shifting focus from final output to ongoing skill development. Additional improvements included supervisory pairings, detailed marking rubrics, and stakeholder workshops. Results showed improved student outcomes (median grade increased from 61.7% to 66.5%) and high satisfaction from both students and supervisors. The reflective log system effectively tracked progress and fostered student ownership, though frequency reduction was recommended to prevent assessment fatigue.

ORCID iDs

Sharif, Abdul Wadood Al-Ahad ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9661-1644, Haw, Mark ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3736-1857 and Sypek, Katarzyna ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0898-2382; Norton, Stuart and Stephenson, Vic
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