Open AccessExploring Challenges of Assessment in Engineering Problem Solving, A Thematic Analysis
Author(s) -
Bahar Memarian,
Susan McCahan
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
proceedings of the ... ceea conference
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2371-5243
DOI - 10.24908/pceea.v0i0.12954
Subject(s) - summative assessment , formative assessment , thematic analysis , thematic map , perspective (graphical) , computer science , face (sociological concept) , work (physics) , mathematics education , medical education , psychology , qualitative research , engineering , medicine , sociology , mechanical engineering , social science , cartography , artificial intelligence , geography
Through a thematic analysis of open-ended survey responses, we explore the challenges assessors face during assessment (summative evaluation and formative feedback) of students’ work. The assessors were primed by asking them to mark solutions to closed-ended engineering problems typical in introductory Electrical and Civil engineering courses. The subsequent survey asked the assessors to reflect on their experience. The analysis of the thematic frequency count is presented and discussed in this paper. The data suggests that from the perspective of assessors, current assessment practices need improvement. In particular, it appears that summative evaluation is seen as the primary goal and feedback is given as time allows. However, the participants also identified insufficient time as a challenge, which may further diminish feedback