Outcomes-based assessment in instrumentation and measurement

The Instrumentation and Measurement course unit at the University of Western Sydney is taken by third year engineering students. The unit integrates knowledge gained to date with an emphasis on practical completions. While delivery is via combined lecture/tutorials and practicals, it is in the practicals that a difference is found. Students are required to sequentially complete set practical tasks over 13 teaching weeks to the point of demonstrating correct operation to the lab supervisor. Students generally work individually, with each lab session having one or two supervisors. The tasks are completed sequentially; what is not completed one week is continued in the following week. Students work at their own pace and those with superior practical skills are not held back but may surge ahead towards the early completion of tasks. The students' enthusiasm is refl ected in the exceptionally good attendance at the practical sessions.