Supervised Assignments as a Partial Solution to Plagiarism and other Assessment Problems

Author: Noel Yahanpath and Edgar Burns, Eastern Institute of Technology

Abstract: Traditional methods of assessment have intrinsic problems in current learning environments of educating large numbers of students with diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and a growing culture of plagiarism. Several assessment methods that involve group and written assignment work are briefly described. The authors use of supervised assignments as a replacement for conventional methods of assessment is described. Further, statistical analysis of marks achieved for supervised assignments indicates that as assessment tools they meet the needs of diverse groups of students as well as other stakeholders. Finally, the discussion reflects on the benefits of using supervised assignments as a teaching and assessment methodology.