Assessment in a Complex World: Ethics, Culture, and the Politics of Evidence in Education

Description

Assessment is not a neutral process. This module challenges students to critically examine the social, cultural, and political forces that shape how assessment is designed, implemented, and interpreted in educational contexts. Drawing on psychological theories of learning, motivation, and bias, students will explore how high-stakes testing, accountability regimes, and global comparisons (such as PISA) influence both educational systems and individual behaviour. The course interrogates the role of assessment in reinforcing or challenging systemic inequities, with attention to the experiences of diverse learners and the responsibilities of assessors. Students will engage with contemporary debates around fairness, access, and the ethical use of data, including the implications of AI and algorithmic technologies in educational measurement. Key topics include culturally sustaining assessment practices, assessment equity in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the psychological impact of testing on learners and educators. By the end of the module, students will be equipped to analyse assessment systems through a critical psychological lens and advocate for ethical, inclusive, and contextually responsive approaches to evidence use in education.