Engaging students in scenario-based assessment for final exams

Authors

  • Hong Dao Nguyen University of SydneySchool of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
  • Matthew Pye School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
  • Francesca Trudy van den Berg School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
  • Osu Lilje School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
  • Michael Widjaja School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
  • Timothy R. C. Lee School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia

Keywords:

examinations, assessment, scenario-based learning, feedback, feedforward

Abstract

We present our approaches to enhancing the authenticity of final exams across large first-year first semester biology units of cohort sizes between 300-1200 students. Historically exams were primarily used as an instrument that mainly assessed knowledge retention with limited provision of feedback to students. The necessity to shift to online learning during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic provided us with a challenging, yet opportune moment to transform our final examinations into an authentic learning experience for undergraduate biology students. We placed a large focus on integrating scenario-based questions in the final exam thereby assessing students’ ability to apply knowledge to real-world contexts. To enhance engagement with the assessment, we also provided personalised feedback for each student. With additional challenges around access to artificial intelligence and academic integrity, we share our experiences returning to in-person final examinations and evaluate the relevancy and benefits of scenario-based questions for student assessment and learning. We also share our approaches to feedforwarding initiatives to prepare students for examinations that is different to what most students would have experienced in their secondary schooling.

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Published

2023-08-24