Business Students’ Perspective of Choice of Assessments: A Case From Norway

Abstract

A student’s academic performance and study behaviors can be significantly influenced by the choice of examination format implemented by their institution. Understanding this relationship is vital, as it plays a crucial role in ranking students for further studies and determining their career prospects in the workforce. This research investigates business students’ attitudes towards various examination types using quantitative methods, such as comparing averages and analyzing correlations between variables. Data was collected from a business school in Norway in 2020. The study reveals a substantial variation in study habits and perceived chances of success, contingent upon the examination format. Many students express a preference for the traditional closed-book school exam, even though they anticipate higher grades from multiple- choice assignments or home-based exams. One possible explanation for this preference is that students view the conventional school exam as fair and motivating. Home-based exams offer the advantage of minimizing student anxiety.