Enhancing learning outcomes in STEM E-assessments in higher education by didactic adjustments

Abstract

We report on a pilot project aiming at establishing didactically adjusted questions for e-assessments in first year courses in Mathematics for students in Life Sciences. In contrast to classical pen-and-paper exams, online tests require different types of questions. By setting boundary conditions for these questions, we built sets of questions for the topics of one course. These sets have been tested and evaluated by the students of that course. We conclude from the students’ feedback as well as from the results in regular intermediate e-assessments that the questions have enhanced the learning outcomes for that course.