Utilizing formative evaluation to enhance the understanding of chemistry and the methods and procedures of science

Abstract

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine whether or not formative evaluation could facilitate goal attainment in a biochemistry course and produce desired learning outcomes consistently by altering course materials and/or instruction. Formative evaluation procedures included the administration of the Inorganic‐Organic‐Biological Chemistry Test Form 1974 and the Methods and Procedures of Science test to course participants over three consecutive years. A one group pretest‐post‐test design was used. The statistical analysis involved the use of the Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐ranks test. The study involved 64 participants. The findings indicate that the use of formative evaluation can be effective in producing desired learning outcomes to facilitate goal attainment.