Pattern of Answer Script Presentation Errors: Teacher and Student Perspectives

Background Answer script presentation is an effective means of conveying knowledge and understanding. It reflects clarity of thought and organization, which can positively influence scoring. Additionally, well-structured answers reduce the chances of misinterpretation, ensuring that your knowledge is accurately assessed. Despite its importance, there is limited research focusing on the specific errors students make in presenting their answers. Hence, this study explored common errors in answer script presentation from the perspectives of both teachers and students. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 240 students and 50 teachers in July 2024 at Mata Gujri Memorial Medical College, Bihar, India. A questionnaire was developed by a three-member panel of experts in education and assessment to ensure it was comprehensive and relevant to the study's objectives. The questionnaire comprised 12 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale where a higher score indicates higher perceptions of the error. Data were collected from teachers and students using the pre-tested self-administered printed questionnaire. The scores among the different perceived errors were compared by ANOVA and the scores between teachers and students were compared by unpaired t-test. Results Students perceived that their highest error was inconsistent handwriting (2.72±1.4), followed by incomplete diagrams (2.52±1.2) and disorganization (2.47±1.17). The error perceived to be least important was incorrect numbering (1.53±0.97), F=12.49, p-value<0.0001. Teachers perceived the error in illegible handwriting (4.36±0.48), followed by lack of emphasis (4.16±0.62) and disorganization (3.94±0.91) as the errors most likely to contribute to poor performance. The error perceived to be least important was inconsistent handwriting (2.4±1.01), F=18.22, p-value<0.0001. When the data were compared between teachers and students, except for inconsistent handwriting, the perceived error score by teachers was higher than the students perceived. Conclusion There was a significant disparity between students' and teachers' perceptions of common presentation errors, with teachers consistently rating the severity of errors higher than students. Both groups identified inconsistent handwriting as a prominent error. This underscores the need for better alignment and communication between students and educators regarding the importance of specific aspects of written presentation in assessments.