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Engineering Students’ Experiences of Assessment in Introductory Computer Science Courses | IEEE Journals & Magazine | IEEE Xplore

Engineering Students’ Experiences of Assessment in Introductory Computer Science Courses


Abstract:

Contribution: This study evaluates the generalizability of previously identified perceptions among engineering students of assessments in introductory programming (CS1). ...Show More

Abstract:

Contribution: This study evaluates the generalizability of previously identified perceptions among engineering students of assessments in introductory programming (CS1). The students’ perceptions of their instructors’ and teaching assistants’ (TAs) roles in these assessments are also studied, and differences based on prior programming experience, gender, and course explored. Background: Basic programming skills are desirable also for students who are not majoring in computer science (CS). Students’ experience of assessments has not been fully explored. Research Questions: 1) How do engineering students experience the assessment (lab assignments, midterm exam, and project) in their CS1 courses? 2) What are the students’ perceptions of the TAs and instructors in relation to these assessment situations? 3) What significant differences can be found based on students’ prior experience in programming, gender, and course? Methodology: Previously identified themes from an interview study worked as a framework for the formulation of 25 statements used in a survey among 137 students in six CS1 courses (second part of a mixed-method study). Descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U Test, and Kruskal–Wallis tests with Bonferroni corrections, were used to analyze the data. Findings: Laboratory assignments were experienced as an opportunity to learn while the exams were viewed as predictable. The projects were perceived as authentic, although varying in difficulty, and as a huge leap from the lab assignments. Students perceived the instructors to put their touch on the course but viewed their TAs as carrying out the assessments, and experienced variations between TAs. Female students experienced these variations to a larger extent and perceived received feedback as less useful.
Published in: IEEE Transactions on Education ( Volume: 66, Issue: 4, August 2023)
Page(s): 350 - 359
Date of Publication: 03 February 2023

ISSN Information:

Department of Computer Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
Emma Riese received the Ph.D. degree.
She is a Lecturer with the Division of Theoretical Computer Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. Her research interests are specifically in how summative and formative assessment situations are used and experienced in introductory programming courses in higher education. She is also interested in the interplay between teaching assistants, students, and course ...Show More
Emma Riese received the Ph.D. degree.
She is a Lecturer with the Division of Theoretical Computer Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. Her research interests are specifically in how summative and formative assessment situations are used and experienced in introductory programming courses in higher education. She is also interested in the interplay between teaching assistants, students, and course ...View more
Department of Learning in Engineering Sciences, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
Stefan Stenbom received the Ph.D. degree.
He is an Associate Professor of Learning in Engineering Sciences with the Division of Digital Learning, Department of Learning in Engineering Sciences, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. His research interests include analysis of online and blended learning environments and the community of inquiry theoretical framework.
Stefan Stenbom received the Ph.D. degree.
He is an Associate Professor of Learning in Engineering Sciences with the Division of Digital Learning, Department of Learning in Engineering Sciences, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. His research interests include analysis of online and blended learning environments and the community of inquiry theoretical framework.View more

Department of Computer Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
Emma Riese received the Ph.D. degree.
She is a Lecturer with the Division of Theoretical Computer Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. Her research interests are specifically in how summative and formative assessment situations are used and experienced in introductory programming courses in higher education. She is also interested in the interplay between teaching assistants, students, and course instructors.
Emma Riese received the Ph.D. degree.
She is a Lecturer with the Division of Theoretical Computer Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. Her research interests are specifically in how summative and formative assessment situations are used and experienced in introductory programming courses in higher education. She is also interested in the interplay between teaching assistants, students, and course instructors.View more
Department of Learning in Engineering Sciences, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
Stefan Stenbom received the Ph.D. degree.
He is an Associate Professor of Learning in Engineering Sciences with the Division of Digital Learning, Department of Learning in Engineering Sciences, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. His research interests include analysis of online and blended learning environments and the community of inquiry theoretical framework.
Stefan Stenbom received the Ph.D. degree.
He is an Associate Professor of Learning in Engineering Sciences with the Division of Digital Learning, Department of Learning in Engineering Sciences, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. His research interests include analysis of online and blended learning environments and the community of inquiry theoretical framework.View more

References

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