Paper-and-pencil vs Online Assessment in Distance Education: Examining EFL Students’ Preferences and Challenges in a Mozambican Tertiary Institution / Uzaktan Eğitimde Kâğıt-Kalem ve Çevrim İçi Değerlendirme: Mozambik'teki Bir Yükseköğretim Kurumunda İngilizceyi Yabancı Dil Olarak Öğrenen Öğrencilerin Tercihleri ve Karşılaştıkları Zorlukların İncelenmesi

This study aimed to examine the phenomenon of Distance Learning Assessment (DLA), in an English Language Teaching (ELT) Undergraduate Degree, at a public university in Zambézia Province, Mozambique. The purposes of this study were (1) to find out students’ preferences related to the assessment systems in use at a public higher education institution, and (2) analyse the challenges which they face in an online and paper-and-pencil testing system. To achieve these purposes, an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was used. Therefore, quantitative data were obtained from four tests measuring 130 students’ progress in the topics previously discussed, and using descriptive statistics and a T-test, their scores from the two testing systems were presented and compared. Furthermore, a qualitative open-ended web-based questionnaire was employed to explore participants’ preferences and challenges in distance learning assessment systems. The findings indicate statistically significant differences between paper-and-pencil test scores and online test scores, with participants performing significantly better in the online testing format. Regarding their preference, most of the English as a Foreign language (EFL) students majoring in ELT prefer the online testing system due to its numerous advantages. However, its main challenges included internet service/s, the time the tests took place, and the availability of Moodle learning management system. Regarding the paper-and-pencil testing system, the major challenge reported was the travelling and accommodation costs involved since these tests take place at the resource centres. In alignment with these results, distance education stakeholders should take further steps towards improving the testing systems in use at this institution.