A Scheme for Automated Evaluation of Programming Assignments using FSMD based Equivalence Checking

Abstract

This work presents an automated program evaluation scheme by leveraging the equivalence checking method of Finite State Machines with Data-path (FSMDs) which has found extensive application in translation validation of programs. In order to assess a student's program, it is compared with a model program supplied by the instructor. Besides reporting the error and providing feedback towards error correction, our method performs automated evaluation of programs which is particularly helpful in an environment where there is a large number of students, thus saving a lot of time for the instructor. Being automated, our scheme will ensure consistency in evaluation and ensure speedy evaluation.