Academic Calibration
How do I have a unit peer reviewed in the Innovative Research Universities (IRU) Academic Calibration Project (ACP)?
External peer review of assessment may be undertaken in any unit in order to provide insights into the effectiveness of assessment practices towards the attainment of unit and course learning outcomes.
There is no set method for selecting units. To have your unit peer reviewed, please complete the EOI – Peer review of assessment form via WesternNow. Note: DAP endorsement is required.
The ACP is an external peer review process that is undertaken in collaboration with other IRU universities.
The ACP provides evidence that assessment methods and student grading are appropriate, aligned to the unit and course learning outcomes and are broadly comparable with those occurring in similar courses offered by other institutions.
The following unit materials will be required (Note: the Course Quality Team can assist with collection)
- Unit Outline
- Learning Guide (including assessment question, marking rubric/standards and criteria to be applied for marking)
- Any additional information provided to students regarding the assessment
- 12 sample assessments from a range of the grade bands, including all marking and feedback given to students
- Unit Coordinator’s marking guide
- Results breakdown for the assessment
- Results breakdown for the unit
- Context statement (a template and guidelines will be provided)
You may also want to consider undertaking reciprocal peer review and calibration, where you nominate units for review and undertake peer review of the external institution's units. The Course Quality Support Unit for calibration can provide guidance on setting up a reciprocal peer review project.
For further information, or if you would like to have your unit peer reviewed, please complete the EOI – Peer review of assessment form via WesternNow.
How do I participate in the Innovative Research Universities (IRU) Academic Calibration Project (ACP) to review units?
Calibrators (reviewers) are either approached directly or sought through the IRU Calibrator Register. Calibrators should be experienced in their discipline and have a well-developed sense of academic standards. WSU academics can be added to the IRU Calibrator register by contacting the Course Quality Team via WesternNow with an expression of interest.
The Academic Calibration Process (ACP) is an external peer review process that is undertaken in collaboration with other universities in the IRU network. When units become available for calibration the University will call for expressions of interest and/or nominate Calibrators (reviewers). The university which owns the unit will then determine who will undertake the peer review. Calibrators are not expected to be currently teaching a similar unit. It is sufficient that the nominated calibrator is experienced in the discipline and has a well-developed sense of academic standards.
When you receive information about a unit, you will be notified of when the materials will be available to calibrate and any reporting deadline. It is vital that you consider the dates and ensure that you have the capacity to undertake the work within the timeframe.
It is important to become familiar with the process by reading the Guide for Calibrators and contact the Course Quality Team via WesternNow with any questions.
To register your interest to be a Calibrator and have your details added to the WSU Calibrator Database and IRU register please complete the EOI – Peer review of assessment form via WesternNow.
Next question resolution
What is the Innovative Research Universities (IRU) Academic Calibration Project (ACP)?
How do I participate in the IRU ACP to review units?
Related links:
Innovative Research Universities’ Academic Calibration Project
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