COMPUTER-AIDED SELF-ASSESSMENT AND INDEPENDENT LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Peter Morris, Shane Dowdall

2011

Abstract

This paper outlines the process and evaluates the effectiveness of introducing software for self-assessment and independent learning in a Mathematics module. Many students identify mathematics as a problem area, and lecturers must maintain standards and meet learning outcomes for their modules. With limited resources, difficulties arise from increasing student numbers and a more diverse cohort. The aim of this study was to enable students to learn independently, reduce mathematical anxiety, and improve self-efficacy and competencies in mathematics, through the use of technology. Software, consisting of visual tutorials and online assessments, was introduced to a Mathematics module on a first year undergraduate degree programme. Students could take and retake online assessments given within supervised technology-led sessions, with their best result recorded. The advantages of this include improved accessibility, alternative teaching styles, self-paced tutorials, timely automated feedback and self-assessment for learning. The problems encountered are highlighted and solutions suggested which may have relevance to mathematics lecturers and learning support units. Our research findings show that the aims of the initiative were broadly met. Notably, the initiative enabled most students to bridge the gap between their expected and actual level of mathematical competency, and improved mathematical self-efficacy for identified groups of students.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Morris P. and Dowdall S. (2011). COMPUTER-AIDED SELF-ASSESSMENT AND INDEPENDENT LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION . In Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU, ISBN 978-989-8425-50-8, pages 139-142. DOI: 10.5220/0003332801390142

in Bibtex Style

@conference{csedu11,
author={Peter Morris and Shane Dowdall},
title={COMPUTER-AIDED SELF-ASSESSMENT AND INDEPENDENT LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION },
booktitle={Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU,},
year={2011},
pages={139-142},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0003332801390142},
isbn={978-989-8425-50-8},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF
JO - Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU,
TI - COMPUTER-AIDED SELF-ASSESSMENT AND INDEPENDENT LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION
SN - 978-989-8425-50-8
AU - Morris P.
AU - Dowdall S.
PY - 2011
SP - 139
EP - 142
DO - 10.5220/0003332801390142