Monitoring Student Performance Through an Agile Project-Based Assessment Strategy for Distance Higher Education

Abstract

This article presents an observational qualitative study regarding the use of agile methodologies in implementing project-based student assessment procedures in higher education courses. The study comprised 32 students enrolled in an online biology class in a public university in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Students underwent two types of activities: first using traditional project-based learning, second using an agile approach based on the EduScum methodology. Results demonstrated that the agile methodology enforced student engagement, especially collaboration aspects. Interactions between students and teachers became more acute and straightforward. Moreover, it became easier for teachers to monitor students' performance throughout the course. This study provides highlights to enable schools to improve students' assessment procedures in distance education courses.