Level 3

Criteria assessment at Level 3 (Higher) should be characterised by an expectation of the individual’s increasing autonomy in relation to his/her study and development of competence. Evidence of this would be through ability in problem solving skills both theoretical and practical. This would be supported by an understanding of appropriate theory; creativity of expression and thought based in individual judgement; and the ability to seek out, invoke, analyse and evaluate competing theories or methods of working in a critically constructive and open manner. The potential of the individual as innovator in relation to his/her specialist area would be anticipated. Necessarily there is an expectation that at this level output is articulate and coherent and skilled in the appropriate medium.

Below is the level 3 criteria as of today - 27th July 2005

Criteria	Excellent	Very Good	Good	Pass	Fail
Meeting the learning objectives.	Develops own learning objectives and meets them, offering substantial supporting evidence which is relevant and focused.	Meets all of the learning objectives offering relevant and convincing supporting evidence.	Understands the learning outcomes and offers good supportive evidence offering the potential for further development.	Meets the learning outcomes with supportive evidence of a satisfactory nature.	Barely or fails to meet the learning objectives.
Evidence of problem solving skills.	Demonstrates and evidences a full range of problem solving skills. High order thinking skills are evident.	Demonstrates and evidences some problem solving skills. Demonstrates sound thinking skills.	Demonstrates some problem solving skills. Thinking skills are often more descriptive than analytical.	Demonstrates limited problem solving skills	Does not evidence problem solving skills. Full understanding is not demonstrated.
Understanding of appropriate theory and its relationship to practice.	Demonstrates excellent critical awareness in relating theoretical and practical components of their work context Demonstrates wide knowledge the of literature	Demonstrates good critical awareness in relating theoretical and practical components of their work context. Demonstrates good knowledge of the literature.	Demonstrates some critical awareness in relating theoretical and practical components of their work context Demonstrates some knowledge of the literature.	Demonstrates limited critical awareness and does not always relate theoretical and practical components of their work context. Demonstrates limited knowledge of the literature.	Demonstrates no critical awareness and finds it hard to relate theoretical and practical components of their work context Demonstrates little knowledge of the literature
Analyses and evaluates working in a critically constructive and reflective manner.	Demonstrates critical construction, and profound reflection.	Frequently challenges positions and usually shows deep reflective skills.	Sometimes challenges positions, and sometimes shows deep reflective skills.	Understands that there are a range of positions and demonstrates shallow reflective skills.	Rarely modifies position and shows limited and poor reflection.
Evidence of innovation within tasks.	Presents new ideas within tasks and offers them for criticism and reflection. Demonstrates new understanding.	Presents some new ideas with clear explanation linked to tasks.	Understands all tasks set. Offers few new ideas or insights	Understands most tasks set. Presents ideas are presented in a systematic way with little new insight offered.	Fails to engage in tasks or offer new insights or understandings.
Consideration of audiences needs and can deliver in an articulate and effective manner with peers and stakeholders using appropriate media.	Engages in and leads discussions. Offers ideas for discussion and critical debate. Uses a wide range of media in an effective way to communicate to a variety of audiences.	Develops ideas through discussion and offers ideas for debate. Uses a range of media to clearly communicate with a range of audiences.	Engages in discussion but offers few ideas. Uses different media to communicate with a limited audience.	Engages in discussion to a limited extent and communication is information seeking or giving. Uses predominantly one media to communicate with a restricted audience.	Fails to engage in discussion. Does not use a variety of, or appropriate media and fails to communicate with a variety of audiences.
Autonomous and self managed learning.	Demonstrates independent thinking and works in a self-managed way.	Develops independent thinking and sometimes works in a self-managed way.	Shows limited autonomy and works within defined guidelines. Rarely works in a self managed way.	Manages their own work and builds on the ideas of others, with some initial support.	Needs strong support and relies heavily on the ideas of others.