Continuous Assessment in Civil Engineering Education - Yes, but with Some Conditions

F. J. Martín-Carrasco, A. Granados, D. Santillan, L. Mediero

2014

Abstract

Adapting Spanish curricula to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) implies the introduction of continuous assessment. Continuous assessment is generally considered to enhance students' learning. The new methodology contrasts with the traditional Spanish method of assessment, based only on exams. This paper compares the student’s learning under these assessment methods in Civil Engineering (Civ.Eng.). The results of 16 consecutive years of assessment of a technological subject (Hydraulic Engineering) have been analysed. Assessment during the first 8 years was performed only by final exams; and onwards by classroom exercises, computer tests in a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and final exams. Rates of students that passed are clearly higher in this latter period, what seems to support that a better learning is achieved under continuous assessment. However, when analyzed in detail, it is found that exams scores are significantly lower during the continuous evaluation period. Sometimes the appearance of a higher grade may mask a lower level of learning. The reasons lie in the psychology of the students, since they reduce their effort once a satisfactory score is achieved in the periodical training. The paper examines what elements should be incorporated to continuous assessment to improve student's learning.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

J. Martín-Carrasco F., Granados A., Santillan D. and Mediero L. (2014). Continuous Assessment in Civil Engineering Education - Yes, but with Some Conditions . In Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU, ISBN 978-989-758-021-5, pages 103-109. DOI: 10.5220/0004797401030109

in Bibtex Style

@conference{csedu14,
author={F. J. Martín-Carrasco and A. Granados and D. Santillan and L. Mediero},
title={Continuous Assessment in Civil Engineering Education - Yes, but with Some Conditions},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU,},
year={2014},
pages={103-109},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0004797401030109},
isbn={978-989-758-021-5},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF
JO - Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU,
TI - Continuous Assessment in Civil Engineering Education - Yes, but with Some Conditions
SN - 978-989-758-021-5
AU - J. Martín-Carrasco F.
AU - Granados A.
AU - Santillan D.
AU - Mediero L.
PY - 2014
SP - 103
EP - 109
DO - 10.5220/0004797401030109