Written by Chloe Debono
Throughout my university degree I have completed so many different styles of assessments.
You may see a supervised assessment listed in your subject outline, and you may be thinking what are they and how do they work? Let’s dive into it!
What is a supervised assessment?
A supervised assessment is any assessment completed under structured conditions. Your learning may be observed, discussed, or demonstrated in real time (this may be in-person, or online). This style of assessment can include practical demonstrations, work placements, presentations, or exams completed under supervised conditions.
What does the interaction feel like?
They can feel daunting at first, but once you have started it honestly isn’t too scary!
In my degree I have experienced numerous supervised assessments. This has included work placement, clinical discussions/handovers with my lecturer, and practical assessments with actors.
Most of the supervised assessments I have completed I have been exposed to a similar task during tutorials or workshops – so it is important you try to attend your tutorials and workshops!
I have walked out of supervised assessments thinking, wow, that was simpler than I expected
- The conversation flowed naturally
- My lecturer asked follow-up questions when she wanted more detail
- I didn’t feel pressured, I felt supported
They do become easier each time, and being confident in my answers and actions has contributed to successful assessments.
How to prepare:
- Revise the subject outline to ensure you know what information you will need to know for your assessment.
- Practice delivering information aloud: to yourself, friends, or classmates
- Role-play potential discussion points or questions
Supporting practical understanding
Following the completion of supervised assessments, I can identify the relevance and practicality this format has towards developing my clinical skills.
Now fast forward to my 4th year placement, I utilise the skills I developed through past supervised assessments. I am genuinely grateful that the university offers this style of assessment as they truly prepare you with skills and knowledge for the real world.
These assessments allow you to demonstrate your learning in a practical way, that often imitates real life situations. Looking back on these exams and taking the experience and knowledge I have learnt has contributed to developing my clinical and practical skillset. Most importantly they have built my confidence and ability to verbally express the knowledge I have learnt throughout my course.
Final thoughts
If you are having concerns about this style of assessment don’t hesitate to ask your lecturer as they want to help you. Check out this webpage which takes a deeper dive into supervised assessments. Talking to students from previous years can also be reassuring. Most importantly, don’t panic! Supervised assessments aren’t as scary as they seem.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
