Teaching and assessing using project-based learning and peer assessment

In 1994, a new and different approach to the teaching and assessment of a second-year unit in Electrical Engineering was implemented in the University of Ballarat Bachelor of Engineering program. The key elements of this instructional method were developed from the concepts of peer-based assessment, and were coupled with a teaching process that encouraged students to take control of their own private study planning. This paper describes the reasons for the initiation of this new approach, outlines the methods used to implement the study, and provides a brief summary of study results over three years of implementation.