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From Mapping to Action: SmartRubrics, an AI Tool for Competency-Based Assessment in Engineering Education

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  • Jorge Hochstetter-Diez

    (Departamento de Ciencias de la Computación e Informática, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile)

  • Marlene Negrier-Seguel

    (Departamento de Ciencias de la Computación e Informática, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile)

  • Mauricio Diéguez-Rebolledo

    (Departamento de Ciencias de la Computación e Informática, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile)

  • Esteban Candia-Garrido

    (Engineering Informatic Program, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile)

  • Elizabeth Vidal

    (Escuela Profesional de Ingeniería de Sistemas, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa 04000, Peru)

Abstract

Competency-based assessment in engineering education is becoming increasingly critical as the profession faces rapid technological advances and the growing need for cross-cutting competencies. This paper introduces SmartRubrics, an AI-based tool designed to support the automated generation of competency-based assessment rubrics. The development of this tool is based on a systematic literature mapping study conducted between 2019 and 2024, which identified key gaps, such as the limited integration of digital tools and the under-representation of transversal skills in current assessment practices. By addressing these gaps, SmartRubrics aims to support the standardisation, accessibility, and potential enhancement of competency-based assessment practices, aligned with UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4). Preliminary testing of the prototype with computer science educators has provided valuable information on the effectiveness of the tool and areas for improvement. Future work includes further experimental validation in real educational settings to assess the impact of the tool on teaching and learning practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Jorge Hochstetter-Diez & Marlene Negrier-Seguel & Mauricio Diéguez-Rebolledo & Esteban Candia-Garrido & Elizabeth Vidal, 2025. "From Mapping to Action: SmartRubrics, an AI Tool for Competency-Based Assessment in Engineering Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-27, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:6098-:d:1693986
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Renato Martins Neves & Rui M. Lima & Diana Mesquita, 2021. "Teacher Competences for Active Learning in Engineering Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-22, August.
    2. ., 2003. "The Industrial R&D Response," Chapters, in: Environmental Research and Development, chapter 4, pages 36-52, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    3. Zhiliang Huang & Annan Peng & Tongguang Yang & Shuguang Deng & Yuexia He, 2020. "A Design-Based Learning Approach for Fostering Sustainability Competency in Engineering Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-17, April.
    4. Atanas Ivanov, 2020. "Decision Trees for Evaluation of Mathematical Competencies in the Higher Education: A Case Study," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 8(5), pages 1-16, May.
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