Higher Education Assessment Collaboration

Contact us

19 Prospect Hill Rd, Camberwell, VIC, Australia 3124

Phone: +61 3 9277 5487
Fax: +61 3 9277 5500

Background

Higher education in Australia continues to expand and diversify, magnifying the need for valid and reliable information on what students have achieved upon completion of their studies. These assessment collaborations are stimulated by:

• enhancement work over the last decade, which has increased awareness among academics of the need for valid assessments;
• existing assessment collaborations, which have highlighted the efficiency and innovation enabled by a shared approach;
• increased interest from governments and quality agencies on information about learning outcomes, and on whether learners have met minimum standards (the new AQF/TEQSA standards agenda are likely focus in part on the validity and reliability of the assessment resources);
• institution-specific needs for data that assure and differentiate educational provision; and
• related technical, assessment and educational developments underway in Australia, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America.

ACER has played a significant role over recent years in working with the sector to support ongoing improvements in assessment practice and the promotion of quality student outcomes. 

Some significant national and international projects include the ALTC funded Australian Medical Assessment Collaboration (AMAC) and the landmark OECD Assessment of Higher Education Learning Outcomes (AHELO).