From the active classroom to active assessment: a student-centred approach enhancing career readiness and creativity

Urquhart, Ellis; Urie, Gavin

Abstract

This paper reflects on innovative assessment practice on an undergraduate tourism and hospitality module. Following an extensive redesign to adopt an active learning and dialogical pedagogy, we developed the service quality masterclass assessment to enhance career readiness skills and creative thinking. This assessment connected theoretical principles with real-world service organisations and challenged learners to host and facilitate a masterclass for their peers. Throughout the paper, we argue that such an assessment not only strengthened learner resilience but provided a safe space to apply workplace skills and competencies such as team working, communication and leadership. Our evaluation of this approach produced an increase in attendance, pass rates and high levels of satisfaction whilst guarding against academic integrity concerns.

Citation

Urquhart, E., & Urie, G. (2025, May). From the active classroom to active assessment: a student-centred approach enhancing career readiness and creativity. Paper presented at Council for Hospitality Management Education Conference (CHME) 2025, University of Essex, UK

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: Council for Hospitality Management Education Conference (CHME) 2025
• Start Date: May 20, 2025
• End Date: May 23, 2025
• Acceptance Date: Feb 11, 2025
• Deposit Date: Feb 11, 2025
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: active learning; authentic assessment; socialisation; hospitality and tourism; career readiness; transferable skills
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/4116209
• External URL: https://www.essex.ac.uk/events/2025/05/20/council-for-hospitality-management-education-conference