An analysis of errors appearing in writing in descriptive type assessment after online video classes: For first-year engineering students in precalculus courses

Objectives This study attempted to qualitatively examine the errors that appear in the descriptive type assessment after online video classes. Methods For this purpose, we qualitatively analyzed the errors appearing in 5 descriptive type questions in the mid-term and final exams for first-year engineering students at a local college. They are taking basic precalculus in the first semester of 2022. The 5 questions were divided into drawing a graph(3 questions) and descriptive type writing(2 questions), and the types of errors that emerged as a result are as follows. Results First, in the drawing a graph questions, there were errors in conceptual errors, errors regarding the domain, asymptote notation errors, coordinate notation errors, writing explanation errors, omitting convexity mentions, omitting inflection points mentions, and errors of omitting algebraic expressions for determining graph shape). Second, in the descriptive type writing questions, errors in problem recognition, incorrect use of problem conditions, substitution errors, rationalization errors, technical errors, omission of the solution process, logically inappropriate reasoning, and errors due to mistakes or carelessness appeared. Conclusions In addition, as a result of a detailed analysis according to the type of error shown in each question, it was emerged that college students also had errors similar to those made by high school students in drawing graphs and solving descriptive type problems.