INTRODUCING OBJECTIVE TESTS AND OMR-BASED STUDENT ASSESSMENT - A CASE-STUDY

This paper describes the process by which objective-question tests, us ing an OMR, were introduced into a number of first-year geography modu les at the University of Plymouth. It discusses the rationale for such a move and some of the issues which have arisen. The paper goes on to present the results of various statistical tests, including a compari son of student performance in the objective-question exams and in the traditional examination essays. A key aim was to determine whether ind ividual students perform consistently across the two forms of assessme nt.