Øystein Midttun & Thomas Gjesteland
oystein.midttun@uia.no; thomas.gjesteland@uia.no
University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
Abstract
This paper introduces a portfolio assessment in mathematics for first-year engineering students that was implemented at the University of Agder (UiA) in 2022. The portfolio consists of two key components, contributing 60% and 40% of the final grade, respectively: 1. Four computer-aided assessment (CAA) tests under supervision, providing immediate feedback on the students’ performance. The students can take each test up to four times, with their best attempt counting toward their final grade. 2. A written assignment, where students apply mathematical concepts from the curriculum to solve an engineering problem. We observe that the students take advantage of multiple test attempts, and that after each test, they organically form groups to discuss the problems with each other. Additionally, the university’s math support centre sees increased usage during test periods. John Biggs (1999) claims that learning is a result of what the student does and that active students foster deep learning. We argue that this assessment design encourages the students to become active in their own learning. The written assignment also helps students to relate mathematical competence to realistic engineering problems, thus making the subject more relevant to their studies. We claim that this competence is equally important for engineers as it is to solve difficult calculus problems by hand.