2134/21502
Paola Iannone
Paola
Iannone
Adrian Simpson
Adrian
Simpson
Mathematics lecturers' views of examinations: tensions and possible resolutions
Loughborough University
2016
Assessment at university
Lecturers's perceptions
Closed book examinations
2016-06-07 10:37:37
Journal contribution
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/journal_contribution/Mathematics_lecturers_views_of_examinations_tensions_and_possible_resolutions/9369992
If assessment drives learning and the closed book examination dominates the pattern of assessment for undergraduate mathematics (as it does in the UK), lecturers need to ensure that examinations reflect the learning they value. This paper uses a mixed method approach to explore lecturers’ views of
the closed book examination in relation to other assessment methods, their preferences for different types of methods and the extent to which they discriminate between stronger and weaker students. A survey of
staff views confirms the dominance of closed book examinations, but an accompanying interview study shows hidden complexity to this view. In particular a tension between the potential and the reality of examinations is uncovered and suggestions are made for resolving that tension.