Biology Undergraduate Students’ Views of Assessment:

Abstract

This paper draws on data from research focusing on assessment methods, its purposes and effects, effectiveness and fairness, as well as student participation and feedback. In total, 124 Biology undergraduate students participated in the study. Data were collected through questionnaires and focus groups. Findings reveal written test as the most used method and that students associate assessment mainly with a summative purpose. Although students report they negotiate some assessment-related aspects with their teachers, in general they do not participate in self and peer assessment. Feedback is clearly recognized an important feature in the assessment process. Implications of the present findings are discussed.