Does the regulatory framework of the Degree Final Year Project fit the assessment approach proposed by the European Higher Education Area?

Abstract

This paper analyzes the regulatory framework of the Spanish public universities on the subject called Degree Final Year Project (DFYP) in order to determine whether it fits the approach Learning Oriented-Assessment (LOA) required from the European Higher Education Area. A content analysis was conducted by analyzing documents and using as units of analysis regulations governing the DFYP. We have found that the rules of assessment of DFYP present some alignment with the LOA model. However, this approach is insufficient because as the legal texts do not represent globally the minimum conditions of the LOA model. Therefore, we consider that legal texts are not the appropriate framework for the design of rules for the faculties regarding of the DFYP assessment. So the change is needed to bring the information for the assessment of the DFYP to the approach that is needed today.