Interactive assessment encourages students to critique gendered policy issues

Charles Sturt Senior Lecturer Dr John Gaffey developed an ‘Interactive Oral’ assessment for the 2021 design and delivery of the Criminal Justice unit ‘JST220: Gender and Crime’. Within this subject, students engaged with key theories of feminism, postmodernity, critical criminology, intersectionality, power, and queer theory. Concepts of gender, sexuality, masculinity, and femininity were critically analysed, while relationships between gender, law, sexuality, policing, policy, politics, crime, and media were also explored.

This assessment asked students to assume the role of an expert and through authentic role-play, advise on a range of gendered policy issues relevant to the criminal justice system in Australia. Focusing on gender equity, students drew on intersectional and feminist theory to suggest ways to improve policy outcomes in the criminal justice system.

This interactive oral assessment ran as a one-on-one discussion between the student and assessor and allowed students to demonstrate engagement and knowledge, apply course concepts, and nominate a recommended action plan.