and learning. This volume stands out as
a sentinel work in the area for three
reasons. First, it is a comprehensive
account of sustainable assessment across
educational institutions. In this regard
it looks at assessment not so much as
something that occurs in universities and
colleges but as something that defines
them. Second, it provides a range of
practical strategies that have been well
tested at the “coalface” of learning, that
is, with students in classrooms and other
educational settings. Finally, it provides
a well-grounded practical focus without
sacrificing conceptual depth. The book
provides a wealth of theoretical material
which creates and sustains a strong
context for learning.
The conceptual model followed
throughout is based on developing a
strong, ongoing instructional commitment
to learning and assessment. This draws on
the Bologna Process as a key instrument
in defining institutional culture. In this
model all members of the learning com-
munity – administration, faculty, and stu-
dents – have a role to play in developing
a culture of learning. At the same time, it
allows for different modes of assessment
to match with the particular needs of a
learning community. Each chapter con-
tains a series of useful appendices which
give concrete examples of assessment tem-
plates in a variety of settings, for instance,
projects developed by the Geography
Department at the University of
Washington or the learning demands of
the Masters of Accountancy curriculum at
the University of Western Florida. In addi-
tion, some chapters succinctly address
perennial issues in assessment and learn-
ing such as how to reach consensus about
assessment criteria and standards of judge-
ment. The conclusion that Maki reaches in
these sections is in keeping with her
overall framework which recognizes the
need for flexible solutions that respect the
diversity of learning communities.
A new feature of this edition is the
expanded section on direct and indirect
assessment methods, such as raising and
pursuing open-ended research or study
questions. There is a strong emphasis on
a range of assessment techniques that are
enabled by new multimedia technologies.
There is also a new chapter on backward
design problem-based assessment pro-
cesses. This chapter is especially helpful
for those wishing to develop a new frame-
work for learning, one that builds on exist-
ing programs. In a similar vein, a range of
specific case studies are given which relate
to undergraduate, graduate, and cross cur-
ricula teaching. Best practise models of
particular universities and colleges are
presented throughout. These provide good
illustrations of commitment to institutional
learning and assessment in differing edu-
cational contexts. The book moves easily
between micro assessment strategies
designed for focused, often classroom-
based, assessment to systems-wide
processes that examine educational
management. A useful feature of the book
are the examples provided throughout
which help practitioners to meet assess-
ment demands set by external agencies
such as accrediting professional bodies,
scholarly associations, and disciplinary
committees. This book is highly
recommended.
Richard Rymarz
St Joseph’s College, University of Alberta
Service-Learning in Theory and Practice:
The Future of Community Engagement
in Higher Education. By Dan W. Butin.
New York, N.Y.: Palgrave Macmillan,
2010. xx + 174 pages. ISBN 978-0-230-
62251-7. $84.00.
Dan W. Butin’s Service-Learning in
Theory and Practice: The Future of
Community Engagement in Higher
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