Problem
Research questions and friction points this paper is trying to address.
cheat sheets
student choice
exam preparation
self-created
instructor-provided
Make or Take: How Students Navigate Self-Created and Instructor-Provided Cheat Sheets
🤖 AI Summary
This study investigates the decision-making mechanisms underlying senior undergraduate students’ choices between self-compiled and instructor-provided cheat sheets during examinations, and how these choices relate to their study strategies. Through a three-phase longitudinal survey combined with behavioral data collected in authentic testing contexts and quantitative analysis, the research systematically uncovers for the first time the key determinants and evolving preference patterns in students’ selection of cheat sheets. Findings reveal that trust in the instructor’s expertise, perceived personalization needs, and study efficiency serve as primary drivers of these decisions. Moreover, students’ preferences are significantly associated with the actual effectiveness of their chosen cheat sheet type, offering novel insights into learning behaviors within the context of academic integrity.
📝 Abstract
The use of cheat sheets in exams is often framed as a way to reduce cognitive load and support student performance. However, little is known about how students choose between self-created and instructor-provided cheat sheets, or how these choices relate to their broader approaches to exam preparation. We conducted a longitudinal study in a senior-level undergraduate software requirements course, where students could use either an instructor-provided or a self-created cheat sheet for both the midterm and final exams. Across three survey waves, we received 53, 50, and 44 responses, respectively. 41 students completed all three surveys and formed the longitudinal cohort used to examine how choices and experiences evolved over time, while exam-specific analyses used all available responses from the corresponding wave. Our findings identify several considerations that shaped students' choices, including trust in instructor expertise, the desire for personalization, and preparation efficiency. We further show how students' attitudes shifted over time and how their preferences were reflected in patterns of cheat sheet use, perceived content coverage, and challenges encountered during the exams.
Innovation
Methods, ideas, or system contributions that make the work stand out.
cheat sheets
self-regulated learning
longitudinal study
exam preparation
student decision-making
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