Bridging the Gap: Reflecting on the Role of Advancing Assessment Interns in Co-Designing Inclusive Assessment and Feedback Practices

Abstract

This case study explores the role of Advancing Assessment (AA) Interns at the University of Southampton in enhancing assessment and feedback practices through co-design. Drawing on our experiences in reflective practice around the project principles and co-working with the AA interns, this case study looks at the tangible and intangible contributions of student interns to institutional change. The reflective workshop highlighted the AA interns dual role as both contributors and cultural bridges between students and staff and examined how they feel about their role and involvement in co-design. The findings reveal a tension between visibility and impact, with AA interns valuing collaborative working and visible contributions, but feeling disconnected from the project when they are not kept informed about the impact of the work they completed. The case study concludes with recommendations for embedding iterative evaluative practice to ensure the student voice is more meaningfully embedded as part of institutional change processes and that co-creation initiatives are impactful.