Baumeister T, Rambach P, Fey D (2023)
Publication Language: English
Publication Type: Conference contribution
Publication year: 2023
ISBN: 978-84-09-55942-8
URI: https://library.iated.org/view/BAUMEISTER2023BEN
This research paper presents a case study examining the effectiveness of
weekly online quizzes in computer science courses as a means of
continuous assessment. The aim of the study was to bridge the knowledge
gap between theoretical lectures and practical exercise sessions, while
promoting student engagement and learning continuity throughout the
semester. The study investigates the impact of implementing online
quizzes on student performance, knowledge retention, and submission
rates of practical homework.
Data was collected from a cohort of undergraduate computer science
students (n = 258) who participated in the course over the semester. The
findings demonstrate significant advantages of incorporating online
quizzes as a continuous assessment strategy. In an independently
organised survey, 10 weeks into the semester, 85% of students reported
feeling still fully up-to-date in this course, compared to an average of
35% in courses with similar study requirements but where no quizzes
were used. Less than 2% of the students reported large knowledge gaps or
having dropped the course for this semester, compared to an average of
25% for other courses. Furthermore, the percentage of students who
stopped doing their practical homework over the semester decreased from
61% in the previous year (without quizzes) to only 34% in the current
year. The automated grading of online quizzes also resulted in reduced
instructor workload. Additionally, the instructors reported much more
effective practical exercise sessions. By minimising the need for
repetition in practical sessions, instructors were able to maximise
instructional time and focus on more advanced concepts and
problem-solving.
The results of this paper highlight the positive impact of online
quizzes on student engagement, knowledge retention, and homework
completion rates. Additionally, the implementation of automated grading
streamlines the assessment process, benefiting instructors. The findings
offer valuable insights for educators seeking to enhance student
success and engagement in their courses.
APA:
Baumeister, T., Rambach, P., & Fey, D. (2023). The Benefits of Continuous Assessment: A Case Study on the Effectiveness of Weekly Online Quizzes in Computer Science Courses. In Proceedings of the 16th International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation. Sevilla, ES.
MLA:
Baumeister, Tobias, Prisca Rambach, and Dietmar Fey. "The Benefits of Continuous Assessment: A Case Study on the Effectiveness of Weekly Online Quizzes in Computer Science Courses." Proceedings of the 16th International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation, Sevilla 2023.
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