Nonconventional assessment-problems and experiences [education]

Education relies on monitoring of a student's progress and a current assessment is often used as a stimulus to encourage systematic study It is particularly helpful for students of a lower division undergraduate level. In an effort to diversify the program in a large group of computer science students, a slightly differing approach has been attempted in its subgroups. This paper presents an experiment: in which a concept of prerequisites and verified minimal requirements have been tried within one subject. Some 300 students did a standard set of theoretical and practical exercises, but some students were given one or two additional projects allocated depending on their level of competence. These projects once given, were compulsory; but they could yield only a small number of points. A presumption that to do a job a person must be suitable for it, although seemingly unquestionable, is sometimes difficult to accept. It is surprising however, that while criticism coming from students was rather natural, a negative perception was also evident among faculty. This suggests, that although the method raises no objections in principle, it must be modified.