Quality-based assessment of papers and projects in computer science

One of the main concepts of quality-based assessment is to provide students with scoring rubrics to define expectations on assignments so that students are actively involved in self-assessment. Another feature of quality-based assessment is to guide the assessment of student work where there is a reduced number of outcomes, such as in the assessment of papers and projects. This paper reports on experiences incorporating some concepts from quality-based assessment in courses offered in a computer science department. Scoring rubrics are introduced in the assessment process for self, peer, and instructor evaluation of papers and projects with a limited number of outcomes. The use of the rubrics as an assessment form provides a direct correspondence between the expectations and the assessed score. The quality-based assessment mechanisms described can be facilitated by course management tools in online-enhanced courses. The results of a student survey indicate that rubrics provide clear feedback and the self and peer assessment aided in student learning.