Evaluating Assessment. Validation with PLS-SEM of ATAE Scale for the Analysis of Assessment Tasks

One of the essential functions of university teachers lies in the decision-making process regarding the various components included in assessment process design, where the quality of assessment tasks is a key aspect. This study presents both validation of an instrument for students to evaluate the assessment tasks and the model that upholds the relationships between constructs that characterise the assessment tasks. Working from a review of the literature, a theoretical model has been devised featuring the characteristics of the assessment tasks and the relationships between them. The Analysis of the Assessment and Learning Tasks questionnaire (ATAE) has been designed to check them, based on a formative measurement model. Using a cohort design, a total of 1,166 questionnaires were obtained, completed by students from the Business Administration and Management (BAM) and Finance and Accounting (F&A) degree courses. The measurement model and the structural model were evaluated by means of the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique using SmartPLS_3 software. The results show no collinearity problems plus high levels of absolute and relative importance for each questionnaire item. From the students' perception, it should be highlighted that the challenging aspect of an assessment task is related to transfer of learning, and that this is measured by use of communication strategies and demonstration of in-depth understanding.