Griffith University -Assessment, exams and grades

Griffith University is a public research university located in Southeast Queensland, Australia. Founded in 1971, it has rapidly grown to become one of Australia’s largest universities, with five campuses spanning Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Logan. Like all universities, Griffith University places great emphasis on assessment, exams, and grades, which are critical components of the education system. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of assessment, exams, and grades at Griffith University, including the types of assessments used, the role of exams in the grading process, and the methods used to calculate and report grades.

Types of Assessments Used

Griffith University uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student performance. These include written assignments, group projects, presentations, practical assessments, and exams. The specific types of assessments used may vary depending on the course or program, but all aim to measure the student’s ability to apply knowledge, think critically, and solve problems.

Written assignments are a common assessment method used at Griffith University. These can include essays, reports, and case studies. The aim of these assessments is to evaluate the student’s ability to analyze and interpret information, develop arguments, and present ideas coherently.

Group projects are another form of assessment used at Griffith University. These assessments require students to work collaboratively to complete a task or project. Group projects are designed to develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as to provide students with the opportunity to share ideas and perspectives.

Presentations are a common assessment method used in many courses at Griffith University. These assessments require students to deliver a speech or presentation on a particular topic. The aim of these assessments is to evaluate the student’s ability to communicate effectively, organize and structure information, and use visual aids to support their presentation.

Practical assessments are used in many courses at Griffith University, particularly in science and engineering programs. These assessments require students to demonstrate practical skills and knowledge in a laboratory or workplace setting. Practical assessments are designed to evaluate the student’s ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

Exams are a crucial assessment method used at Griffith University. Exams are typically held at the end of each semester or trimester and are designed to test the student’s understanding of course material. Exams may include multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. The aim of exams is to evaluate the student’s ability to recall and apply knowledge, as well as to think critically and analyze information.

Role of Exams in the Grading Process

Exams play a significant role in the grading process at Griffith University. The marks obtained in exams contribute a substantial proportion of the overall grade for each course. The exact weighting of exams in the overall grade may vary depending on the course and program, but they typically range from 50% to 70%.

Exams are designed to test the student’s knowledge and understanding of course material. They are typically held at the end of each semester or trimester and cover the material taught throughout the course. Exams may include multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions, and are designed to evaluate the student’s ability to recall and apply knowledge, as well as to think critically and analyze information.

The results of exams are used to calculate the student’s overall grade for the course. The grading system used at Griffith University is based on a percentage scale, where grades are awarded based on the percentage of marks obtained. The grading scale used at Griffith University is as follows:

• HD (High Distinction) – 85% and above
• D (Distinction) – 75% to 84%
• CR (Credit) – 65% to 74%
• P (Pass) – 50% to 64%
• F (Fail) – below 50%

The final grade for each course is based on a combination of all assessment methods used throughout the course, including written assignments, group projects, presentations, practical assessments, and exams. The weighting of each assessment method may vary depending on the course and program, but exams typically contribute a significant proportion of the overall grade.

Methods Used to Calculate and Report Grades

Griffith University uses a variety of methods to calculate and report grades. The most common method used is the percentage scale, where grades are awarded based on the percentage of marks obtained. However, other methods may also be used, including the grade point average (GPA) system and the weighted average mark (WAM) system.

The GPA system is a commonly used grading system that is based on a scale of 0 to 4.0. Grades are converted into points, with each grade corresponding to a certain number of points. The GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of points obtained by the total number of credit points attempted. The GPA system is commonly used in the United States and Canada.

The WAM system is a variation of the GPA system used in Australia. The WAM system is based on a scale of 0 to 7.0 and is calculated by weighting each grade according to the credit point value of the course. The WAM system is used to calculate the overall average mark of a student’s academic performance across all courses taken.

Griffith University reports grades using the percentage scale, which is then converted into a letter grade based on the grading scale outlined above. Students can view their grades online through the university’s student portal, and grades are also recorded on official transcripts.

Conclusion

Assessment, exams, and grades are critical components of the education system at Griffith University. The university uses a variety of assessment methods, including written assignments, group projects, presentations, practical assessments, and exams, to evaluate student performance. Exams play a significant role in the grading process and are designed to test the student’s understanding of course material. The results of exams are used to calculate the student’s overall grade for the course, which is reported using the percentage scale and converted into a letter grade. By providing rigorous and comprehensive assessments, Griffith University aims to prepare students for success in their chosen fields and equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.