Assessment really does matter in higher education. Internationally academics are seeking better ways to assess students, recognizing that diverse methods are available which may solve many of the problems associated with the evaluation of learning. This volume provides both theoretical perspectives and pragmatic advice on how to conduct effective assessment. It draws clearly on both relevant research and on its contributors' practical first hand experience. Asking questions such as: how can assessment methods best become an integral part of learning?; what strategies can be used to make assessment fairer, more consistent and more efficient?; how effective are innovative approaches to assessment, and in what contexts fo they prosper?; to what extent can studentss become involved in their own assessment?; how can we best assess learning in professional practice contexts?