The Evolution of Assessment Methods in Higher Education Due to the Shift to Remote Learning: A Case Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the evolution of assessment methods in higher education due to the shift to remote learning, focusing on the challenges and adaptations across different disciplines. Studies have indicated that higher education institutions faced significant challenges in maintaining academic integrity and ensuring effective student evaluation during the rapid transition to online learning. The study adopted a qualitative approach following a multi-case study design. Using purposive sampling, a total of three participants, comprising teacher educators from curriculum studies, social science education, and mathematics education who met the research criteria were selected. Data were elicited using semi-structured interviews, followed by thematic data analysis to unveil rich narratives and patterns within the research inquiries. The findings of the study revealed that the shift to digital assessment platforms significantly altered evaluation practices across disciplines. Issues such as ensuring academic integrity, adapting assessment types, and enhancing feedback mechanisms created stark disparities between pre-pandemic and current assessment practices. The study also highlighted the impact of disciplinary contexts on assessment innovation as one of the pressing considerations in evolving evaluation methods. The research underscored the need for a balance between technological integration and pedagogical considerations in assessment design. Recommendations were made for enhancing digital literacy among educators, promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration in assessment design, and ongoing research into the long-term impacts of evolved assessment methods.