Abstract
This research investigated the value of short-answer in-class tests as learning aids. Undergraduate students ( n=187) in 9 technology education classes were given information booklets concerning “high-tech” materials without additional instruction. The control group was not tested initially. Students in the experimental groups were either given a multiple-choice or a short-answer in-class test when they returned the booklets. All groups were tested for delayed retention three weeks later. The delayed retention test included subtests of previously tested and new information. Both short answer and multiplechoice tests were more effective than no test in promoting delayed retention learning. No difference was found between short-answer and multiple-choice tests as learning aids on the subtest of information which had not been tested on the initial tests, however, multiple-choice tests were more effective in promotion of retention learning of the information actually contained in the immediate posttests. This study compared two types of teacher-made in-class tests (multiplechoice and short-answer) with a no test (control) condition to determine their relative effectiveness as aids to retention learning (that learning which is still retained weeks after the initial instruction and testing have occurred). The investigation involved instruction via self-paced texts, initial testing of learning, and delayed testing 3 weeks later. The delayed tests, which included both previously tested information and novel information that had not been previously tested, provided the experimental data for the study. Background The importance of testing in education makes it an important topic of continuing research. As technology education evolves to emphasize more cognitive learning, the time devoted to testing and the effects of testing will become increasingly important. Most of the research on testing which has been reported
Highlights
The importance of testing in education makes it an important topic of continuing research
The research questions posed and addressed by this study were: 1. If delayed retention learning is the objective of instruction, does initial testing of the information aid retention learning?
The first of three research questions addressed by this study was: If delayed retention learning is the objective of instruction, does initial testing of the information aid retention learning? Within the constraints of this study, testing of instructional material did promote retention learning
Summary
The importance of testing in education makes it an important topic of continuing research. The available findings on the quality of teacher-made tests cast some doubt on the ability of teachers to perform evaluation effectively (Burdin, 1982; Carter, 1984, Fleming & Chambers, 1983; Gullickson & Ellwein, 1985; Haynie, 1992; Stiggins & Bridgeford, 1985; Wiggins, 1993). Despite these problems, Mehrens and Lehmann (1987) point out the importance of teacher-made tests in the classroom to evaluate attainment of specific instructional objectives. Evaluation by teacher-made tests in schools is an important part of the educational system and a crucial area for research (Haynie, 1990a, 1990b, 1991, 1992; Mehrens & Lehmann, 1987; Wiggins, 1993)
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