vanbuel@essb.eur.nl
My research concerns fair assessment in higher education. More specifically, we explore how skills such as critical thinking and problem solving can best be assessed, whilst minimizing potential bias against (ethnic) minorities. To do so, we consider how bias affect students’ performance assessments on writing and presenting. Additionally, we want to get stakeholders – think teachers and students – involved by enquiring them about what they consider to be fair assessment. Ultimately, we intend to use the results of this research to develop guidelines for educational assessors to facilitate fairer assessment practices.
As of this moment, not much yet to be proud of. But I will say that I feel incredibly honored to have been selected for this PhD track. Fairness and equality have been of particular interest to me for quite some time, both on a personal and theoretical level. So, to be able to do my bit and be part of a team of researchers that strive towards similar goals, is something I take quite a bit of pride in.
What gets me out of bed in the morning is knowing that my research is meaningful and can help better society. Presently, fairness, equality, and diversity are still loaded topics. And when it comes to bias, what it means, whether it affects different societal groups, and how it might affect them, a lot of it is still mired in discussion. The opportunity to further explore these areas, therefore, thrills me to no end.
Fairness, Equality, and Diversity.