Comparison of Final Examination Formats in a Numerical Methods Course
With decreasing budgets for teaching assistants, large class sizes,
and increased teaching loads, it is becoming ever more important to
effectively utilize resources without sacrificing best practices of
assessment. The objective of this study is to evaluate a hybrid
multiple-choice final examination with optional partial credit (MC+PC)
as a replacement for the same examination in constructed response
(CR) or strict multiple-choice (MC)
Related Journal Papers G. AdenBuie, A. Kaw, A. Yalcin, "Comparison of final examination formats in a numerical methods course", International Journal of Engineering Education, Vol. 31, No. 1(A), pp. 72–82, 2015. |
formats. In the hybrid MC+PC
format, students were given multiple-choice options and were also
allowed to submit constructed responses that would be graded for
partial credit. The three examination formats were utilized once
each in three offerings of a Numerical Methods course at the
University of South Florida. Multiple linear regression and item
analysis of student responses demonstrate that students approach the MC+PC format similarly to a CR exam, and the administrative
requirements of the test were significantly reduced. This study
finds the hybrid MC+PC format to be equally reliable and appropriate
for a comprehensive final examination.