Patchwork text: innovative assessment to address the diverse needs of postgraduate learners at the African University of the 21st Century

In this article the background and origin of and a rationale for transformational learning and the patchwork text as an alternative to the academic essay and the traditional portfolio as assessment instruments are clearly illustrated. The authors also share their own as well as their learners’ experiences with the implementation of patchwork text assessment in a master’s degree course work module. They conclude the article with a reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of patchwork text assessment in the context of learning facilitation for postgraduate learners with diverse needs, aptitudes and learning styles and how the lessons learned can help with possible improvements in this and other postgraduate programmes. The ultimate message for the African university of the twenty-first century is that patchwork text can assist learners in becoming more critical and reflective thinkers.
From: SAJHE 19 Special Issue 2005, pp. 1282-1305