Understanding the processes, practices and influences of calibration on feedback literacy in higher education marking: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: In the University setting, striving for consistency and reliability of assessment evaluation is essential to reducing the impact of marking variations. Marking processes such as consensus calibration have the potential to reduce issues which arise from the influence of markers professional knowledge and experience, as well as fixed and acquired marking habits. Furthermore, the influence of marker feedback which supports learning development is associated with the feedback literacy of both the teacher and the student. A gap is currently present in the literature as these practices are not discussed together. OBJECTIVES: To explore how nursing academics perceive and understand calibration practices and associated feedback literacy. DESIGN: Theoretical underpinnings in participatory and person-centred research methodology supported the critical ontological perspective of this study where the intent of the research was to explore the reality that exists within the context where the research was conducted. SETTING: A single School of Nursing in an Australian University with six campuses spanning metropolitan, regional and rural sites. PARTICIPANTS: Nursing academics and casual tutors with various levels of experience in assessment marking and feedback. METHODS: Semi-structured group interviews that were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four overarching themes were identified; rubrics, calibration, feedback and justice. CONCLUSION: Calibration improves staff cohesion, fosters better practices and consistency, and permits nuanced interpretation of assessments while maintaining uniformity. Enhanced feedback literacy that integrates principles of equity, justice, and learner-centeredness is required. Fundamentally calibration guides educators toward holistic approaches that foster consistency, equity, and thorough feedback practices.

What knowledge of breastfeeding do nursing students hold and what are the factors influencing this knowledge: An integrative literature review.

AIM: The aim of this review was to explore the preregistration nursing students' breastfeeding knowledge and the sources they used to develop that knowledge as a health care professional. BACKGROUND: New registered nurses do not feel prepared to support breastfeeding women in neonatal and paediatric settings. RESULTS: Preregistration nursing students have sufficient knowledge of the physiology of lactation but insufficient knowledge on supporting women to decide on the practical aspects of breastfeeding and its challenges for healthy or sick babies. The sources of knowledge included the students' personal experiences and the education and training that they received during their nursing course. The two themes extracted from the data that related to the sources of knowledge were: a) informal knowledge through experience and b) formal education. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for new ways to align the students' informal sources of breastfeeding knowledge to their formal education, focusing on supporting women to make decisions on the practical aspects of breastfeeding, including the most common challenges. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Nursing students' knowledge of breastfeeding practice: an integrative review.