13 - Latvia - Student assessment

The main principles of student evaluation in higher education (both academic and professional) are as follows:
  • principle of mandatory evaluation – it is necessary to acquire positive assessment on the content of programme;
  • different methods are used to determine assessment (the main forms are tests and examinations);
  • adequacy of evaluation: students are given a possibility to prove their analytical, creative skills and acquired knowledge.
10-scale grading system is used to evaluate academic performance on all levels of higher education:
  • Very high level (outstanding – 10, excellent – 9);
  • High level (very good – 8, good – 7);
  • Medium level (almost good – 6, satisfactory – 5, almost satisfactory – 4);
  • Low level (a negative assessment: poor –3, very poor – 2, very, very poor – 1).
  • The lowest "pass" grade is 4 – "almost satisfactory".
  • "Pass" and "Not pass" are used for assessing tests and practice.
The main form of evaluation is end-of-semester examinations, when students receive credit points for every course and placement assessed with "pass" or at least 4 in 10-scale grading system. However, continuous evaluation during the semester may be carried out by lecturers as well.

Assessment in doctoral programmes is different. Professors of the corresponding branch and the scientific advisor monitor academic progress. The student reports about the results of his/her studies and research participating twice a year in research seminars and conference organised in the corresponding branch where a special decision is made as to the conformity of results with the individual study programme. The decision is documented and submitted to the programme director.

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Date: 2009
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