Comparison of Final Examination Formats in a Numerical Methods Course
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2015
Keywords
examination formats, final examination, numerical methods
Abstract
With decreasing budgets for teaching assistants, large class sizes, and increased teaching loads, it is becoming ever more important to effectively utilize resources without sacrificing best practices of assessment. The objective of this study is to evaluate a hybrid multiple-choice final examination with optional partial credit (MC+PC) as a replacement for the same examination in constructed response (CR) or strict multiple-choice (MC) formats. In the hybridMC+PCformat, students were given multiple-choice options and were also allowed to submit constructed responses that would be graded for partial credit. The three examination formats were utilized once each in three offerings of a Numerical Methods course at the University of South Florida. Multiple linear regression and item analysis of student responses demonstrate that students approach the MC+PC format similarly to a CR exam, and the administrative requirements of the test were significantly reduced. This study finds the hybrid MC+PC format to be equally reliable and appropriate for a comprehensive final examination.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
International Journal of Engineering Education, v. 31, issue 1(A), p. 72-82
Scholar Commons Citation
Aden-Buie, Garrick; Kaw, Autar; and Yalcin, Ali, "Comparison of Final Examination Formats in a Numerical Methods Course" (2015). Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications. 139.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/egr_facpub/139
