Student perceptions and performance indicators in Enade: a comparative analysis of the Technology Degree in Human Resources Management (2018-2022)

Abstract

Higher education assessment within the framework of the Brazilian National Higher Education Evaluation System relies on the National Student Performance Exam as a key instrument to support regulation, self-assessment, and academic management processes. This study analyzes the perceptions of graduates from the Technology Degree in Human Resources Management at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of São Paulo – Sertãozinho campus regarding the level of difficulty of the Enade exam in the 2018 and 2022 editions, relating these perceptions to the observed performance indicators. This qualitative, descriptive-analytical study is based on documentary analysis of institutional Enade reports, supported by descriptive statistics and content analysis. The results reveal a decline in the course’s average performance between the two editions, particularly in the General Education component, accompanied by an increase in perceived difficulty among graduates. In the Specific Component, a lower perception of difficulty was observed in 2022 despite reduced performance, indicating a mismatch between subjective perception and objective outcomes. The analysis also points to increased student heterogeneity over the period, reflected in score dispersion and polarized self-reported learning. The study concludes that integrating quantitative performance indicators with student perceptions represents a relevant strategy for higher education assessment and course management, providing evidence to support pedagogical improvement and planning for future Enade editions.