Assessing Student Learning

What is the purpose of assessment in biology education?

• To assign grades based on students' understanding

• To determine the impact of instruction on improving student learning

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an innovation on improving student learning

• To generate assessment data for statistical analysis

What is the main advantage of using a content-based pretest/posttest as a quantitative assessment technique?

• It provides a permanent record of student understanding

• It allows for follow-up questions and interactions with students

• It is similar to typical exams and provides a sense of reliability

• It can be used to assess student attitudes and perceptions

What is a disadvantage of using questionnaires as a quantitative assessment technique?

• The scores must be standardized before comparisons can be made

• It is time-consuming and requires training in their use

• It focuses on a few specific questions and may not capture the complexity of student learning

• It relies on an outside assessor to observe and listen to student interactions

What is the advantage of using observation as a qualitative assessment technique?

• It provides a permanent record of student understanding

• It allows for follow-up questions and interactions with students

• It removes instructor bias from the assessment

• It can be used to assess student attitudes and perceptions

What is a disadvantage of using interviews as a qualitative assessment technique?

• It is time-consuming and requires training in their use

• It focuses on a few specific questions and may not capture the complexity of student learning

• It relies on an outside assessor to observe and listen to student interactions

• It requires students to be taught how to construct concept maps

What is an advantage of using focus groups as a qualitative assessment technique?

• It provides a permanent record of student understanding

• It allows for follow-up questions and interactions with students

• It removes instructor bias from the assessment

• It can uncover information unanticipated by the instructor

What is a disadvantage of using concept maps as a qualitative assessment technique?

• It is time-consuming and requires training in their use

• It focuses on a few specific questions and may not capture the complexity of student learning

• It requires students to be taught how to construct concept maps

• It provides broad, generalized information about the class or program

What is an advantage of using journal writes and minute papers as formative assessment techniques?

• They provide a permanent record of student understanding

• They allow for follow-up questions and interactions with students

• They are low impact on class time and provide immediate feedback to the instructor

• They can be used to assess student attitudes and perceptions

What is the main purpose of creating a database for assessment?

• To provide a baseline for comparison of student outcomes

• To assess the effectiveness of an innovation on improving student learning

• To generate assessment data for statistical analysis

• To provide a permanent record of student understanding

What is the importance of using both quantitative and qualitative assessment techniques?

• Quantitative assessment provides broad, generalized information while qualitative assessment provides detailed information

• Quantitative assessment focuses on a few specific questions while qualitative assessment captures the complexity of student learning

• Quantitative assessment is more reliable and objective than qualitative assessment

• Qualitative assessment is more accurate and informative than quantitative assessment