Exploring Graduate Students' Attitudes and Academic Satisfaction with Open Book Examinations: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

In the dynamic realm of education, assessment methodologies continuously evolve to accommodate diverse learning environments. Open book examinations (OBEs) have emerged as an alternative to traditional closed-book assessments, garnering attention for their potential to evaluate students' ability to comprehend and apply knowledge. This qualitative study delves into graduate students' attitudes towards OBEs and their academic satisfaction with this examination format. Through structured interviews and thematic analysis of 200 graduate students, the research explores factors influencing attitudes, including the reduction of rote learning, alleviation of exam-related fear, and development of source determination skills. Additionally, the study examines concerns such as academic integrity and the impact on study habits. Findings underscore the need to address challenges while leveraging OBEs' potential to promote critical thinking and real-world application of knowledge. Insights from this study inform pedagogical practices and contribute to the ongoing discourse on assessment methodologies, facilitating the design of more effective and student-cantered approaches to evaluation and learning.

Country : India

1 Soumitra Das2 Dr. Bapi Mishra

  1. Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Education, University of Gour Banga, Malda; State Aided College Teacher, Gour Mahavidyalaya, Malda, West Bengal, India
  2. Professor, Department of Education, University of Gour Banga, Malda – 732103, West Bengal, India

IRJIET, Volume 8, Issue 5, May 2024 pp. 314-318

doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2024.805041

References

  1. Ackerman, R., Leiser, D., (2013). The effect of concrete supplements on metacognitive regulation during learning and open-book test taking. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 84(02), Pp. 329-348, DOI: doi.org/10.1111/bjep.12021.
  2. Anita M. P., Ellen W., Nicole D., Jason P. C., (2021). Traditional versus open-book exams in remote course delivery: a narrative review of the literature. Proceedings 2021 Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA-ACEG21) Conference, CEEA-ACEG21; Paper 029, UPEI; June 20-23, 2021.
  3. Ashri, D., Sahoo, B, P., (2021). Open Book Examination and Higher Education During COVID-19: Case of University of Delhi. Journal of Educational Technology, 50(01), Pp. 73-86, DOI: 10.1177/0047239521013783.
  4. Boniface, D., (1985). Candidates’ use of notes and textbooks during an openbook examination. Taylor & Francis, 27(03), Pp. 201-209, DOI: 10.1080/0013188850270307.
  5. Brightwell, R., Daniel, J, H., Stewart, A., (2004). Evaluation: is an open book examination easier? Taylor & Francis, 03(01), Pp. 1-10, DOI: 10.3108/beej.2004.03000004.
  6. Celik, P., Storme, M., (2017). Trait Emotional Intelligence Predicts Academic Satisfaction Through Career Adaptability. Sage, 26(04), DOI: 10.1177/1069072717723290.
  7. Chraif, P., (2015). Correlative Study between Academic Satisfaction, Workload and Level of Academic Stress at 3rd Grade Students at Psychology. ELSEVIER, 203, Pp. 419-424, DOI: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.08.317.
  8. Duffy, D, P., Douglass, R, P., Autin, K, L., (2015). Career adaptability and academic satisfaction: Examining work volition and self-efficacy as mediators. Journal of Vocational Behaviour, 90, Pp. 46-54, DOI: 10.1016/j.jvb.2015.07.007.
  9. Eurboonyanun, P, C., et all (2021). Adaptation to Open-Book Online Examination During the COVID-19 Pandemic. ELSEVIER, 78(03), Pp. 737-739, DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2020.08.046.
  10. Francis, J., (1982). A Case for OpenBook Examinations. Taylor & Francis, 34(01), Pp. 13-26, DOI: 10.1080/0013191820340102.
  11. Hasan, M, M., (200). Correlative Study between Academic Satisfaction, Workload and Level of Academic Stress at 3rd Grade Students at Psychology. ELSEVIER, 203, Pp. 419-424, DOI: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.08.317.
  12. Heiman, T., (2008). The effects of e-mail messages in a distance learning university on perceived academic and social support, academic satisfaction, and coping. The Open University of Israel, 09(03), Pp. 237-248, DOI: ISSN- 1528-3518.