Do project-based assessments better reflect real engineering ability than written exams?
Project-based assessment is not universally better. Projects are well suited to assessing the application of knowledge, design, problem solving, collaboration, communication, and improvement through iteration. Written exams are often better for checking foundational knowledge and an individual’s understanding under consistent conditions. Using both can therefore provide a more balanced view of engineering ability, depending on the purpose.
Key points
- Projects can reveal practical application, design, problem solving, and teamwork.
- Written exams can assess foundational knowledge and individual understanding more directly.
- Because the methods measure different abilities, combining them may give a broader assessment.
Things to check
- The project format, grading criteria, and whether work is individual or team-based vary by university, faculty, and course; check official information for specific details.