How Age, Gender, and Class Format Relate to Undergraduate Students' Perceptions of Effective Course Assessments

Students’ perceptions of assessment used within the learning environment greatly influence their approach to learning. Therefore, this study aims to explore whether various student or course characteristics (age, gender, course format) impact perceptions regarding effectiveness of assessment type (e.g., exam, participation, presentation) and question format. As faculty develop their courses they may wish to consider these perceptions in order to better facilitate learning and to clearly articulate to their students the benefits of the assessment types that the students see as less effective.