Programme-led Assessment Strategies in Sports Development Degrees

This chapter outlines a programme-led approach to Assessment for Learning (AfL) taken through the BA (Hons) Sports Development with Coaching programme in the Division of Sport Sciences at Northumbria University. The case study outlines key steps taken to initiate and develop a cultural shift towards assessment for learning in sport.

The objectives of this case study are:

• To provide an overview of an approach taken by the Division of Sport Sciences to design innovative assessment practices which enhance the adoption of AfL in an undergraduate degree.
• To highlight key distinctive features of a programme-led assessment strategy that distinguishes it from a more module-based approach.
• To provide summary evaluative information on key success factors derived from a range of stakeholders including students employers and academic staff involved in the management and delivery of the programme.
• To outline lessons learned and ongoing challenges in achieving a cultural shift in terms of moving from traditional didactic approaches to more student-centred interactive approaches to assessment for learning within sport.