Update to the SOT template

As part of our university-wide work to strengthen the assurance of learning and support assessment integrity, we are introducing a new “Supervised Assessment: Yes/No” selection within the Subject Outline Tool.

Why this matters

This field enables us to:

  • accurately classify assessments that include supervised elements,
  • support TEQSA-aligned compliance and reporting, and
  • ensure visibility of where supervised assessment is currently being used.

What you need to do

When editing your Subject Outline, you will simply:

  1. Go to each assessment item in the outline, and
  2. Select Yes or No for the supervised assessment field.

This selection is mandatory for all outline submissions.

What QA needs to validate

For each assessment item, the following should be consistent:

  • If the assessment includes supervised performance the selection should be Yes
  • If there is no supervision, the selection should be No

What to do when the selection does not match

QA is not expected to redesign or “police” assessment, only align “description vs selection”.

If the selection appears inconsistent:

  • Request clarification and/or correction from the academic using the comment functionality within the SOT.

Why this matters

Accurate validation of this field:

  • supports assurance of learning,
  • fuels subject-level reporting,
  • helps evidence supervised assessment milestones, and
  • aligns with regulatory expectations.

Examples

SituationSupervised?Why
Live Zoom interactionYesReal-time interaction + observation
In-person observationYesDirect observation of performance
Simulated task in labYesReal-time observed action
Work placement observedYesDirect observation of performance
Prerecorded videoNoNot observed in real time
Reflection uploadedNoNot observed; no interaction
Essay/report uploadNoNo interaction; no observation

Examples of standalone and integrated supervised assessments.

Case Studies

1. Zoom Viva Voce — Supervised

Assessment:
Students complete a 10-minute viva via Zoom where the assessor asks clarifying questions.

Selection: Yes ✔️

Why correct:

  • There is real-time interaction.
  • The assessor directly observes student performance and elicits information about their reasoning.

2. In-Person Practical Skill Demonstration — Supervised

Assessment:
Students perform a laboratory technique while an assessor observes their process.

Selection: Yes ✔️

Why correct:

  • The assessor observes action and performance directly.
  • This is real-time supervision.

3. Work Placement Supervisor Observation — Supervised

Assessment:
On placement, students perform workplace tasks while a supervisor observes and evaluates them in real time.

Selection: Yes ✔️

Why correct:

  • Direct observation of performance in real time.
  • Real-time interaction may occur but is not required — observation alone may be sufficient.

4. Clinical Simulation Activity — Supervised

Assessment:
Student completes a simulated patient consultation with assessors observing in the lab.

Selection: Yes ✔️

Why correct:

  • Assessors observe performance and actions.
  • Occurs live and in real time.

5. Zoom Demonstration — Supervised

Assessment:
Students troubleshoot a design problem live on Zoom, explaining their approach.

Selection: Yes ✔️

Why correct:

  • Real-time interaction occurs.
  • Assessor directly observes student thinking and performance.

6. Written Essay Submitted to LMS — Not Supervised

Assessment:
Students write a 1500-word essay and upload it.

Selection: No ✔️

Why correct:

  • No real-time interaction.
  • No observation of performance during the assessment process.

7. Recorded Video of Presentation — Not Supervised

Assessment:
Students upload a prerecorded 5-minute presentation.

Selection: No ✔️

Why correct:

  • The assessor does not observe the performance in real time.
  • This is asynchronous.

8. Reflective Log from Placement — Not Supervised

Assessment:
Students keep a written reflective journal about placement experiences and upload to LMS.

Selection: No ✔️

Why correct:

  • Reflection and writing occur independently.
  • No real-time observation or interaction.

Incorrect Label Examples (Now Re-Explained Against the Definition)

1. Prerecorded Speech Labelled “Yes”

Assessment:
Students upload a recorded 5-minute speech.

Selection: Yes ❌

Why incorrect:

  • The assessor does not observe performance in real time.
  • No interaction is occurring.

2. Zoom Viva Voce Labelled “No”

Assessment:
Students are questioned live on Zoom about core concepts.

Selection: No ❌

Why incorrect:

  • Real-time interaction occurs.
  • The assessor observes thinking and reasoning live.

3. Placement Observation Labelled “No”

Assessment:
Supervisor watches student perform tasks in real time.

Selection: No ❌

Why incorrect:

  • Supervisor directly observes performance.
  • That is supervised as per the definition.

4. Take-Home Essay Labelled “Yes”

Assessment:
Students upload a 2000-word essay.

Selection: Yes ❌

Why incorrect:

  • There is no direct observation.
  • There is no live interaction.

5. Simulated Clinical Task Labelled “No”

Assessment:
Students perform in a simulation lab while the assessor watches.

Selection: No ❌

Why incorrect:

  • Assessment is live and directly observed.

Explore more

Subject Outlines

Subject Outline help site