2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This work-in-progress study explores the impact of individual versus group exams in an undergraduate biomechanics course. The motivation for this research lies in optimizing assessment methods to better prepare students for careers in engineering. The course employed a mixed format approach: two individual exams featuring theoretical calculations and two group exams simulating practical, collaborative tasks. Data were collected through an open-ended survey (n=127) and analyzed for emergent themes using qualitative analysis. Preliminary results show that group exams foster collaboration and model real-world engineering scenarios, while individual exams promote accountability and independent learning. Accordingly, data suggest that a hybrid exam format may incorporate the strengths of both approaches and remains a focus of future research.