Coursework Marks High, Examination Marks Low: discuss
Bridges, Paul Cooper, Angela Evanson, Peter Haines, Chris Jenkins, Don Scurry, David Woolf, Harvey Yorke, Mantz
Bridges, Paul
Cooper, Angela
Evanson, Peter
Haines, Chris
Jenkins, Don
Scurry, David
Woolf, Harvey
Yorke, Mantz
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2002
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Abstract
It is commonly believed that the standard of student performance in coursework tends to be higher than that achieved in formal examinations. This view was tested by analysing undergraduate performances in six subjects at four UK universities. Two measures of relative coursework performance were employed. The first is the difference between the mean coursework and examination marks for each module. The second considers the proportion of students in each module who achieve a higher mark in the coursework than in the examination. The measures showed that in English and History coursework performances are slightly higher, equivalent to one-third of one honours class (or division) while, in Biology, Business Studies, Computer Studies and Law, coursework performances are higher by as much as two-thirds of one honours class (or division). The differences observed in the latter subjects are very significant and have serious implications for parity of treatment in degree programmes where students may choose modules with contrasting modes of assessment.
Citation
Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education 2002, 27(1): 35-48
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Journal article
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en
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02602938,1469297X