Scenario-Based Assessment for Database Course

This paper presents some reflection upon the use of a flexible scenario-based method for the assessment of a third level module in databases in a UK university. The method is designed to encourage problem-solving skills amongst students by carrying out scenario-based assessments which are highly flexible. By the use of this method, we intend to address the surface learning strategy demonstrated by many students - a problem identified by many studies in higher education. The method is applied to assess the intended learning outcomes and performance of students. The key benefits of this method are its applicability to courses with large cohorts, flexibility and time saving in marking. In this paper, we report our experience of using the technique of scenario-based learning as a key pedagogical method for assessing practical databases issues concerning data protection, data legislations and object-oriented databases.