A paper from the STEM Annual Conference 2014.
Feedback on coursework is becoming increasingly important (Hepplestone Parkin Holden Irwin & Thorpe 2009). In response research is being conducted to improve this process. A survey is discussed which elicits staff and student expectations concerning feedback and describes a framework for a software solution. The research uses the Triangulation method: in the first instance a questionnaire followed by a focus group and finally individual interviews. Triangulation brings in-depth insights on a participant’s attitudes thoughts and actions. To date a pilot survey of results has been conducted. The results are presented along with an initial implementation of the framework and a discussion of its use so far. The study confirms feedback expectations and provides insight into the requirements for a computer based assessment framework. The marking system was successfully tested on a programming module at the University of Nottingham. While it is particularly easy to apply to STEM subjects the research and developing software is suitable for any discipline.
