Constructive guidance and feedback for learning : the usefulness of exemplars, marking sheets and different types of feedback in a first year law subject

Assessment has a profound influence on student learning, particularly among first year students. Criteria and standards-based assessment models are increasingly being adopted by universities as effective practice. However the promise of these models of assessment may not be realised unless teachers can find ways of making criteria and standards understandable to students, particularly students in the first year of university.. Exemplars or examples of previous students' work of high and low quality can make criteria and standards concrete. This mixed methods study explores first year law students' perceptions of the usefulness of exemplars and different types of feedback for guiding them in completing assessments. A combination of engaging in marking and discussing exemplars, and receiving individualised and standards-based feedback provides the most helpful guidance for students' effective learning.