Ethical principles of student assessment

It is important that all parties are familiar with the assessment requirements for the successful completion of the clinical practice period. All students will have copies of the specific guidelines and regulations of these in the form a unit outline.

Clinical supervisors should be familiar with the specific criteria for passing and failing placements set by the unit coordinators. In situations where students have met all of the requirements to pass the placement it will be necessary to complete the appropriate documents attesting so. In cases where students have displayed unsatisfactory behaviour, such as regular and serious lateness for clinical appointments, professional misconduct, or failure to acquire an adequate level of clinical competence, they should be left in no doubt about the problem. The supervisors should discuss with the placement co-ordinator what action should be taken and it may be helpful to have an academic staff member of the unit present at the time of the end of placement review.

There is a difference between performance feedback and formal student assessment. Assessment in the clinical setting often relates to competency based assessment. In both instances it is important that all parties are familiar with the student’s rights and responsibilities as well as the ethical principles of student assessment. The University of Tasmania has very clear policies on assessment practice.