Group decision support system for assessment of problem-based learning

Assessment is an important task in problem-based learning (PBL). It has a strong influence on students’ approaches to learning and their outcomes. In order to provide an open and fair method of PBL assessment, a group decision support system (GDSS) has been developed. The system uses mathematical decision methods for collecting assessment criteria and their appropriate weights; and databases for storing students’ details and data on the adsessment criteria. It integrates databases with model bases in a cooperative decision-making environment and is implemented on a client-server platform using a relational database management system. The GDSS has been developed and used to improve the efficiency and quality of assessing students’ PBL outcomes.