Shifting from Traditional to Alternative Assessment Methods in Higher Education: A Case Study of Norwegian and Italian Universities

Alexandra Lazareva, Daniele Agostini

2024

Abstract

The background of this study is the growing focus on so-called “student-active” or “student-centered” learning and teaching methods, which have demonstrated to improve students’ learning outcomes and soft skills. However, despite the benefits of these methods, much university teaching still relies on final high-stakes summative examinations, which may lead to students’ lack of engagement in learning activities during the semester and increased focus on the preparation for the final exam. This paper is aimed at exploring the traditional and alternative assessment methods used in higher education in Norway and Italy and focuses on two research questions: (1) What are the different types of student assessment involved at universities in Norway and Italy? and (2) What are the benefits and challenges related to alternative assessment formats in higher education when compared to the traditional ones? To answer the first question, the assessment forms used in selected units at a university in Norway and Italy were mapped out. To answer the second question, six university instructors with experience in alternative assessment were interviewed. The results contribute to a better understanding of the factors motivating instructors to transition to alternative assessment, as well as possible barriers for the implementation of alternative assessment.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Lazareva A. and Agostini D. (2024). Shifting from Traditional to Alternative Assessment Methods in Higher Education: A Case Study of Norwegian and Italian Universities. In Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU; ISBN 978-989-758-697-2, SciTePress, pages 533-540. DOI: 10.5220/0012623300003693

in Bibtex Style

@conference{csedu24,
author={Alexandra Lazareva and Daniele Agostini},
title={Shifting from Traditional to Alternative Assessment Methods in Higher Education: A Case Study of Norwegian and Italian Universities},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU},
year={2024},
pages={533-540},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0012623300003693},
isbn={978-989-758-697-2},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU
TI - Shifting from Traditional to Alternative Assessment Methods in Higher Education: A Case Study of Norwegian and Italian Universities
SN - 978-989-758-697-2
AU - Lazareva A.
AU - Agostini D.
PY - 2024
SP - 533
EP - 540
DO - 10.5220/0012623300003693
PB - SciTePress