Scaling up Assessment for Learning in Higher Education - Practical

Our review of Scaling up Assessment for Learning in Higher Education assesses an edited collection that tackles how assessment can genuinely promote student learning at scale. It is aimed at curriculum leaders, university teachers and researchers wanting evidence-based strategies for institutional change, and the single biggest reason to buy is its focused treatment of practical and theoretical dimensions of scaling up assessment for learning across diverse higher education contexts. The book brings together international contributors and concentrates on actionable themes rather than abstract ideals.

Key Features

• Comprehensive focus: The collection maps the state of the art in assessment for learning, giving readers a wide-ranging view of current research and practice.
• Scaling up theme: Chapters specifically address how to move assessment approaches from pilot projects to broader institutional adoption, which helps leaders plan change.
• International perspectives: Contributions from Australia, England, continental Europe and Hong Kong illustrate varied systems and transferable lessons for different higher education settings.
• Practical implementation: The book presents strategies and examples of assessment for learning techniques, useful for teachers seeking concrete classroom and programme-level actions.
• Feedback emphasis: Dedicated attention to feedback for learning offers research-backed ideas to improve student engagement and formative assessment practices.
• Technology considerations: Discussion of using technology to facilitate assessment for learning helps readers evaluate digital tools in their own contexts.

Who It's For

This volume is best suited to university curriculum leaders, assessment researchers and experienced higher education teachers who are planning or managing assessment change and want research-informed guidance on scaling up effective practice. It will also serve postgraduate students in education studies who need contemporary examples of assessment innovation.

Those seeking a short how-to manual for classroom tasks or step-by-step software instructions should look elsewhere; this is an edited, research-based collection focused on theory, strategy and institutional implementation rather than low-level task templates.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Collects diverse, research-based perspectives that clarify the challenges of implementing assessment for learning across institutions.
• Places a rare emphasis on scaling up, helping readers think beyond isolated pilots to sustained change.
• Includes international case material that broadens applicability and helps compare approaches.

Cons

• As an edited academic collection, it is more conceptual and strategic than a step-by-step practitioner handbook.

Specifications

Title	Scaling up Assessment for Learning in Higher Education
Series	The Enabling Power of Assessment, 5
Editor / Brand	Carless
Scope	Assessment for learning, scaling up, feedback, technology
Geographic perspectives	Australia, England, continental Europe, Hong Kong
Audience	Theorists, researchers, curriculum leaders, university teachers

Our Verdict

Scaling up Assessment for Learning in Higher Education is a valuable, research-led collection for those charged with assessment reform and curriculum development. Its emphasis on scaling up and international case studies gives practical value to decision makers; it represents good value for academics and leaders who want evidence-informed strategies for embedding assessment for learning at programme and institutional levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book offer practical implementation advice?
Yes, it provides strategies and case examples for implementation, though its focus is strategic and research-based rather than a task-by-task manual.

Who contributed to the volume?
Leading figures from Australia, England, continental Europe and Hong Kong contribute chapters addressing assessment change and scaling up.

Is technology discussed in relation to assessment?
Yes, one of the key themes is using technology to facilitate assessment for learning and to support scaled implementation.