A circumstantial approach towards formative assessment in mechanical engineering courses

Abstract

Universities are entrusted with nurturing a nation's brightest minds through different assessment and evaluation strategies. However, assessment became difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic era, hence, raising concerns about alternative assessment methods.  This study focuses on the importance of formative assessments in higher education and how they can be designed to assess students’ performance using online web tools on mechanical engineering. The study was conducted by considering 60 students who undertook various assessment methodologies for 6 different courses. The result obtained helps the instructors to understand their learning efficacy and how it helps the individual to what extent the learning outcomes have been attained. Also, there was a huge gap between what instructors thought and how the students understood the context.   Keywords: Attainment; Examinations; Formative Assessment; Learning Outcomes; Students’ Performance