One-Day Workshop on Smart Assessments with OBE Approach, OBE Strategies, and precise Exam Design: Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam

One-Day Workshop on Smart Assessments with OBE Approach, OBE Strategies, and precise Exam Design: Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam

As part of Mar Athanasius College of Engineering’s continuous pursuit of academic excellence and quality enhancement, a one-day workshop titled “Smart Assessments with OBE Approach: OBE Strategies and Precise Exam Design” was successfully conducted on 14 August 2025 at the college campus in Kothamangalam. This academic initiative was organized by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of the institution in collaboration with ipsr solutions limited.

Knowledge Sharing by the Expert

The core academic sessions were conducted by Dr. Mendus Jacob, M.D. & CEO of ipsr solutions limited, and Professor & Director – MCA, Marian College Kuttikkanam (Autonomous). A renowned academician and industry leader, Dr. Jacob delivered a comprehensive and thought-provoking session on the effective implementation of OBE frameworks in institutional settings.

His dynamic presentation offered participants not only conceptual clarity but also actionable strategies for transforming conventional teaching-learning models into outcome-oriented practices.

Orientation on Outcome-Based Education (OBE)

Dr. Jacob delivered an insightful and highly practical orientation on aligning curriculum design and assessment practices with the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) model. His session highlighted how institutions can build a robust, transparent, and measurable framework for teaching and learning by integrating OBE into academic processes.

Core Themes of the Workshop

Defining and Mapping Outcomes

A central theme of the workshop was the definition and mapping of Course Outcomes (COs), Program Outcomes (POs), and Program Specific Outcomes (PSOs). Dr. Jacob explained how these components form the foundational structure of OBE and how their accurate articulation and mapping are essential for meaningful assessments and the achievement of graduate attributes. He particularly emphasized the necessity of formulating well-defined COs that directly align with POs and PSOs.

Strategies for Precise Exam Design

The session also introduced effective strategies for precise exam design, such as blueprinting, criteria-referenced assessments, and mapping questions to Course Outcomes (COs) using Bloom’s Taxonomy. These approaches help ensure alignment between learning objectives and assessments, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of evaluation.

Dr. Jacob demonstrated techniques for setting question papers that correspond to various cognitive levels, ensuring that assessments holistically contribute to the achievement of intended learning outcomes.

Data-Driven Strategies in Education

Another highlight of the workshop was the emphasis on data-driven strategies in education. Dr. Jacob discussed how modern OBE frameworks enable institutions to move beyond conventional attainment scores by providing deeper insights into student learning and institutional performance.

QnSmart i – A Digital Solution for Smart Assessments

Dr. Jacob underscored the critical role of digital tools in assessment transformation, with a focus on QnSmart i—a Question Bank and Question Paper Generation software developed with a strong OBE foundation.

He explained that QnSmart i supports faculty members by mapping questions to specific outcomes and enabling a visual audit of outcome distribution in question papers. It also maintains criteria-referenced quality control while streamlining assessment processes and reducing institutional costs.

By integrating such tools, he emphasized, institutions can ensure assessments are transparent, outcome-oriented, and aligned with best practices in higher education.

Participation and Engagement

The workshop witnessed the active participation of faculty members from Mar Athanasius College of Engineering. The participants engaged enthusiastically, raising questions, sharing experiences, and reflecting on the implementation of OBE-aligned assessment strategies in their respective departments.

Their collective eagerness reflected the strong academic culture and commitment to innovation that defines Mar Athanasius College of Engineering.

Conclusion

The success of this event was a result of the meticulous efforts of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of the college,

whose planning and coordination ensured a highly productive and engaging workshop.

Benny John Joseph

Benny John Joseph Manager-Business Development in ipsr solutions limited, with 19+ years of experience as Manager in Production, Quality & Marketing & 7+ years in Printing Technology.