diff --git a/Koli_2017/Koli_2017_Stanger.tex b/Koli_2017/Koli_2017_Stanger.tex index 9fefd3d..e084145 100644 --- a/Koli_2017/Koli_2017_Stanger.tex +++ b/Koli_2017/Koli_2017_Stanger.tex @@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ The in-scenario rationale for freezing the specification was that other developers were independently using the same specification to code end-user applications. Any significant variation from the specification would therefore break those applications. This approach tested not only students' ability to write SQL DDL, but also their ability to correctly interpret and convert a natural language database specification into a corresponding SQL schema. -This approach seemed effective, but maintaining consistent grading standards across a large number of submissions (on the order of 50--70) was difficult, due the often large number of distinct gradable elements implied by the specification. This required a complex and highly-detailed rubric to be constructed so that no element was missed, and the grading process consequently took a significant amount of time, especially when feedback to students was required. In 2012 a significant change to the structure of the course resulted in higher grading workloads and increased time pressure, prompting greater interest in the possibility of at least semi-automating the grading of this assignment. This was now more feasible than in earlier years due to the more tightly constrained nature of the project specification. +This approach seemed effective, but maintaining consistent grading standards across a large number of submissions (on the order of 50--70) was difficult, due to the often large number of distinct gradable elements implied by the specification. This required a complex and highly-detailed rubric to be constructed so that no element was missed, and the grading process consequently took a significant amount of time, especially when feedback to students was required. In 2012 a significant change to the structure of the course resulted in higher grading workloads and increased time pressure, prompting greater interest in the possibility of at least semi-automating the grading of this assignment. This was now more feasible than in earlier years due to the more tightly constrained nature of the project specification. Another motivation for automated grading was that it can sometimes be difficult for database novices to know whether they are on the right track while implementing a specification. If a limited version of the grading tool was available to students before the submission deadline, it could be used to provide feedback on their progress.