Self-assessment by students: An effective, valid, and simple tool?

This paper gives a progress report of work investigating self-assessment of knowledge by engineering students. Initial results indicate this technique has promise as a tool for assessment of student learning as well as teaching a life-long learning skill. Thus, the technique could be useful for accreditation efforts under ABET 2000. Data from student self-assessment in a senior-level mechanical engineering class were gathered in Spring 1998 (and will continue in Spring 1999). Results from four "in-semester" and a cumulative self-assessment done at the final exam are included.