Students' Perceptions on Online Assessments: Evidences from the M.Ed. Fourth Semester English Students of Tribhuvan University

Abstract

The research study entitled Students' Perceptions on Online Assessments: Evidences from the M.Ed. Fourth Semester English Students of Tribhuvan University aimed to investigate the students' perceptions of online assessment and find out benefits and challenges of online assessment. The survey research design was employed for qualitative research and sample was selected using census sampling strategy. For primary data collection all students were selected from 9th batch of Department of English Education Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, who enrolled in M.Ed. fourth semester. Semi-structured was the data collection technique and interview guidelines (open-ended questionnaires) was the data collection tool. The data were analyzed and interpreted them thematically. The findings of the study indicates that online assessment provides some benefits such as immediate feedback, flexibility allowing students to take exam and presentation from their homely environment that helped reduce unncessary stress that usually comes with traditional exam settings. Similarly, it made easier to balance their educational and professional career. However, students also faced several challenges. Technical probloms, lack of face to face interaction, dependence on AI tools and also background noise which made problems with concerntration and their creativity which negatively impacted student's engagement and performance.To overcome these issues it is essential to improve digital infrastructures, adopt interactive learning methods and establish strong support system for both teachers and students. The thesis consists of five main chapters. The first chapter deals with the introduction of the topic in which background of the study, statement of the problem, objectives of the study, research questions, significance of the study, delimitations of the study and operational definitions of the key terms are included. The second chapter includes the review of both theoretical and empirical literature, along with conceptual framework. The third chapter deals with the methods and procedures of the study. It includes design and method of the study, research population, sample and sampling procedure, data collection tools and techniques, data collection procedures, data analysis an procedure and ethical considerations. The fourth chapter includes analysis and interpretation of results. Moreover, the fifth chapter deals with conclusion and recommendations. This chapter is followed by references and appendices used for the study.