International Research Symposium 2016: Developing Evaluative Judgement in a Digital World

24 October 2016

On 17 and 18 October 2016, CRADLE hosted its inaugural international research symposium, ‘Developing Evaluative Judgement in a Digital World’. The event was attended by 25 delegates, including international visitors from Hong Kong, Spain and the UK.

The symposium explored current and emerging notions of the development of evaluative judgement in the context of increased digitalisation of all aspects of teaching, learning and assessment in higher education. Professor Beverley Oliver, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education) opened the event, and Professor David Boud, Director of CRADLE, then gave an informative introduction to the proceedings.

Key topic areas which were discussed over the two days included:

• The nature of evaluative judgement and its importance;
• Conceptualising theory;
• Self-regulation and feedback;
• Bias and digital environments; and
• Broader interdisciplinary perspectives.

At the conclusion of Day One’s programme, an open forum was held with symposium delegates and invited attendees from across the tertiary sector. The forum was chaired by Professor David Boud, with the panel comprised of Professor Sue Bennett (University of Wollongong), Dr. Ernesto Panadero (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), and Professor David Carless (University of Hong Kong). The panel gave a presentation on the day’s topics, and a lively and broad-ranging discussion followed. The day concluded with an informal networking event, and a symposium dinner for delegates.

At the conclusion of Day Two, Professor David Boud revisited the conceptualisation of evaluative judgement, providing an overview of the symposium presentations and addressing three key questions: how is conceptual understanding advanced, what are the key research questions, and what are the next steps in terms of research? Professor Boud concluded by noting,

It’s been a very stimulating event, with great spirit and engagement. I hope we look back and see this as a powerful moment of genesis for an evaluative judgement movement.