ABSTRACT

The focus of our presentation will be on practice-oriented assessment methods in study programmes at Austrian Fachhochschulen (Universities of Applied Siences). These study programmes have a practically oriented focus reflected in their curricula which includes practice-oriented methods of teaching and learning and compulsory job-based internships. In some cases practice-oriented assessment methods have been developed to enhance the professional development of the students as a measure for quality assurance. One study programme, Produktionstechnik und Organisation (Production Technology and Organisation), is organised in the "dual form": Learning takes place in the Fachhochschule as well as in a company where students have the status of part-time employees. One major challenge of the specific approach of this study programme is the integration of the learning and competence development processes of both learning sites. On the basis of this case study methods of practice-oriented assessment which have been (and are still being developed) as measures for quality assurance will be identified and analysed.