Developing a Test for Assessing Incoming Students’ Cognitive Competences

Authors

  • Veronika Thurner University of Applied Sciences Munich Lothstr. 64 D-80335 Munich
  • Daniela Zehetmeier University of Applied Sciences Munich Lothstr. 64 D-80335 Munich
  • Sabine Hammer University of Applied Sciences Munich Lothstr. 64 D-80335 Munich
  • Axel Böttcher University of Applied Sciences Munich Lothstr. 64 D-80335 Munich

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v7i4.7433

Keywords:

cognitive competence, assessment, skill level

Abstract


Every year, a few weeks after new freshmen students started on their course of studies in Computer Science, many lecturers complain that some of their students are ill-equipped with those competences that are necessary to study successfully. Hence, these students struggle. This situation can be observed universally, at different universities and in various countries. On the other hand, at the same time there usually are some students around which meet study requirements rather easily. To effectively deal with this heterogeneity, lecturers need to gain a quick overview of initial competences in their student cohorts. This paper describes the development of a test that assesses first-year students' initial cognitive competences as well as basic knowledge in maths and computer usage. On this basis, lecturers can adapt their lectures to address the students’ current level, in order to quickly develop those skills that are still missing. We have been using this test for four years, for a pilot study as well as three regular runs. So far, we have collected test results of over 750 students. First insights into the results confirm our assumption that important competences are lacking in many freshmen students. As a consequence, we adapt our teaching in introductory courses, to enable students to close the gap and quickly meet study requirements.

Author Biographies

Veronika Thurner, University of Applied Sciences Munich Lothstr. 64 D-80335 Munich

Department of Computer Science and Mathematics

Daniela Zehetmeier, University of Applied Sciences Munich Lothstr. 64 D-80335 Munich

Department of Computer Science and Mathematics

Sabine Hammer, University of Applied Sciences Munich Lothstr. 64 D-80335 Munich

Department of Computer Science and Mathematics

Axel Böttcher, University of Applied Sciences Munich Lothstr. 64 D-80335 Munich

Department of Computer Science and Mathematics

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Published

2017-11-24

How to Cite

Thurner, V., Zehetmeier, D., Hammer, S., & Böttcher, A. (2017). Developing a Test for Assessing Incoming Students’ Cognitive Competences. International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy (iJEP), 7(4), pp. 35–50. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v7i4.7433

Issue

Section

Special Focus Papers