Supervised assessment – standalone option

The standalone approach to supervised assessment

Standalone supervised assessments are assessment types that are conducted independently of other assessment methods. Unlike integrated approaches, which are embedded into existing assessment tasks, standalone options are distinct activities where students demonstrate their learning in real time under observation or monitoring. These methods strengthen assurance of learning by allowing academics to directly verify student capability, skills and application of knowledge in authentic or controlled settings.

They are especially valuable when:

The assessment requires demonstration of skills, judgement, or reasoning that cannot be reliably inferred from written work alone.
Authorship or originality of submitted work needs to be verified.
Professional standards, accreditation requirements, or authentic performance contexts must be demonstrated.
Students need opportunities to apply theory in realistic, scenario-driven, or workplace environments.

The table below outlines common types of standalone supervised assessment, explaining how each works, when it is most useful, and examples of prompts or questions that guide observation.

Standalone supervised assessment options

Assessment Type	How it Works	When to Use	Example Questions / Prompts	Key Words
Oral Examination	Student answers structured or semi-structured questions live, testing knowledge and reasoning.	To verify authorship of written work, test conceptual knowledge, or assess higher-order thinking.	Can you explain this concept in your own words? Why did you choose this approach? What alternative solutions could you suggest?	Concepts, explanation, authorship, reasoning
Case-Based Oral Assessment	Student is presented with a specific case (real or fictional) and asked to analyse and justify responses orally.	Where application of theory to authentic cases is central (health, law, business, education, social work).	Given this case, what would your first step be? What ethical/professional considerations apply here? What alternative actions could you take and why?	Application, decision-making, case analysis, justification
Scenario-Based Oral Assessment	Student responds orally to a dynamic scenario (may evolve during questioning), requiring reasoning and adaptability.	When testing professional judgement, adaptability, and decision-making under pressure.	The situation has now changed — what would you do differently? What risks do you see and how would you manage them? How does this scenario connect to your discipline theory?	Adaptability, applied knowledge, reasoning, professional judgement
Online Proctored Exam	Student completes a time-limited test online with identity verification and monitoring via camera/software.	For timed problem-solving, or standardised knowledge assurance.	Short answer, problem-solving.	Knowledge check, standardisation
Invigilated Tests & Exams	Students complete written, practical, or digital assessments in a controlled venue under invigilator supervision.	For timed problem-solving, or standardised knowledge assurance.	Closed-book exams, open-book exams, in-class tests, practical exams.	Knowledge check, standardisation
Simulation	Students are observed as they participate in a structured, simulated activity (live or digital), responding to evolving events.	Disciplines requiring decision-making in authentic contexts (health, law, business, teaching, emergency management).	What do you do next? Why did you choose that response? What risks do you need to manage here?	Scenario, realism, adaptability, decision-making
Role Play	Students adopt defined roles in an interaction (e.g., client/professional, teacher/student), observed live or online.	For applied disciplines needing interpersonal and communication skills.	How did you decide on your response to the client? What strategies helped you manage the interaction?	Communication, empathy, judgement, applied practice
Pitch	Short, structured live presentation (2–5 minutes) of an idea, product, or solution, often with Q&A.	To assess persuasion, synthesis, creativity, and applied problem-solving.	What is the value of your idea? How would you convince stakeholders? What assumptions underlie your pitch?	Concise, persuasive, impact, applied thinking
Debate	Students argue for/against a position in structured rounds, with rebuttals and live questioning.	To test evidence-based reasoning, critical thinking, and communication.	How do you respond to the opposing team’s argument What evidence supports your stance?	Argument, evidence, rebuttal, critical thinking
Practical (Lab / Studio / Technical Task)	Students demonstrate skills or complete tasks under supervision (lab, studio, fieldwork).	For disciplines requiring technical accuracy, process, and safety.	Can you show me the correct procedure? How do you ensure accuracy/safety?	Skills, process, technique, competence
Performance	Students demonstrate creative, artistic, or applied performance live (music, drama, dance, sport, media).	Creative arts, performing arts, sport, or any discipline needing authentic demonstration of performance skill.	What techniques did you use to prepare? How did you adapt your performance for this audience/context? What skills were you aiming to showcase?	Creativity, expression, technique, authenticity
Presentation	Student delivers a structured oral presentation with or without visual aids, often followed by Q&A.	Any discipline where communication, synthesis, and knowledge defence are critical.	Why did you structure your presentation this way? How does your solution connect to theory? What would you improve if presenting to a professional audience?	Communication, clarity, defence, synthesis
Online Conference	Students present papers, posters, or projects in a live (virtual or in-person) conference format with peer/staff Q&A.	Disciplines that value dissemination and defence of knowledge (research, business, creative industries, education).	How does your work contribute to current knowledge? What questions did you anticipate from your audience? What feedback would shape your next steps?	Scholarly communication, dissemination, defence, authenticity
OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination)	Multi-station practical exam with assessors observing clinical/professional skills.	Health and clinical disciplines where structured skills testing is essential.	Demonstrate the correct technique for this procedure. How would you explain this to a patient/client?	Clinical skills, communication, structured, standardised
Work Placement / Professional Practice	Students are observed and assessed in a workplace setting by supervisors or mentors.	For authentic assessment of professional capability in real environments.	How did you apply theory to practice in this context? What feedback did you receive, and how did you act on it?	Authenticity, employability, workplace, professional skills