It has not been a standard practice of mine to develop a pre-test that a user can take to "test-out" of a course. Are there any other advantages (or disadvantages) to having a pre-test to a course if the user can simply navigate to the quiz via the menu (assuming the navigation is wide open)? Why or why not?
We use pretest sometimes to get an understanding of the users knowledge prior t taking the course, we run this seperate to the course and a post test after (again seperate to the course) this lets us measure a users performance pre and post and see if the course has had any effect
We usually avoid delta measurements except during the efficacy testing phase before roll-out as a research evaluation of the solution (if it's broken, we fix it). If we know our audience well enough, hopefully our solution won't be an exercise in shooting in the dark. A well designed solution will work as designed every time. Delta measurements shouldn't be necessary and can function as an annoying mechanic in many situations (as a learner I hate being over-tested).
However, there are some times where we'll use a pre-test:
Pre-test / Post-test as same element. Where the primary measurement mechanism is the test, we provide the test at any time. When you're ready, just take the test.
Pre-test as tailoring mechanism. Where the pre-test configures the content. We have the learner take the pre-test and the results indicate where the learner needs to focus, what activities they need to complete, etc. before they can be marked as complete.
Pre-test as a one time shot side-step. For some courses we provide a one time access "test-out". Once the learner fails this once, they need to complete the course to unlock the post-test. We aren't measuring the delta, we're simply assessing how well the learner performs up front and allowing them to avoid redundant torture.
So I think the strongest arguments for the use of a pre-test are:
Convenience / tailoring / avoidance of irrelevant or redundant experiences
As a learning strategy
I think measurement of what you learned isn't something I would always avoid, but it's not something I'll do regularly and I'm going to take a really hard look at why before choosing that strategy. Like I said, if I don't know where my audience level is then I'm stabbing in the dark with the solution and am ALWAYS going to miss the mark somewhere. Efficacy testing should be done before roll-out, not in eternal beta. My 2c.
great post, we run our own lms and produce content for it. Our site is open to the public and free to use and we have a mixed ability group, (Doctors to unqualified staff). We also have to show value for financing a free lms and content, pre and post testing allows us to statistically show some learning has taken place with those who have completed our learning.
Not ideal, we have other ways such as evaluation tools and feedback.
Well, we use pre-test as a way to engage the students in the content, discarding preconceived assumptions on the matter and giving them some clouds or tips that can make interesting to "study". But we do not include pre-test into an Articulate Presenter project, but as a separated material.
I think pretests are very important because they allow learners to know exactly where they are on a topic. Many learners overestimate there knowledge and go through a course believing they know everything without paying much attention..
Pretests (specially when they do not perform well) help their study be oriented to answer the questions they failed. This gives them more motivation to look carefully into the learning material.
I also believe learners like the challenge pretests give, and enjoy going through them.
Finally getting the right answer after the lecture or course, gives them a sense and measurement of achievement. (before/after). It´s like weighing yourself before you start a diet.
We deliver several courses each year that all staff are required to take for regulatory purposes. Sometimes the content of a course does not change from year to year, and allowing staff the option of taking the entire course or going directly to the test helps in many ways.
I would like to utilize a pre-test to allow our seasoned employees to opt out of certain modules of the course. My LMS developer is telling me that that a can not be accomplished automaticaly by the LMS....I was hoping that some of you have Learn.com as an LMS and can offer me some tips.
8 Replies
Hi Doug
We use pretest sometimes to get an understanding of the users knowledge prior t taking the course, we run this seperate to the course and a post test after (again seperate to the course) this lets us measure a users performance pre and post and see if the course has had any effect
Phil
We usually avoid delta measurements except during the efficacy testing phase before roll-out as a research evaluation of the solution (if it's broken, we fix it). If we know our audience well enough, hopefully our solution won't be an exercise in shooting in the dark. A well designed solution will work as designed every time. Delta measurements shouldn't be necessary and can function as an annoying mechanic in many situations (as a learner I hate being over-tested).
However, there are some times where we'll use a pre-test:
So I think the strongest arguments for the use of a pre-test are:
I think measurement of what you learned isn't something I would always avoid, but it's not something I'll do regularly and I'm going to take a really hard look at why before choosing that strategy. Like I said, if I don't know where my audience level is then I'm stabbing in the dark with the solution and am ALWAYS going to miss the mark somewhere. Efficacy testing should be done before roll-out, not in eternal beta. My 2c.
Hi Steve
great post, we run our own lms and produce content for it. Our site is open to the public and free to use and we have a mixed ability group, (Doctors to unqualified staff). We also have to show value for financing a free lms and content, pre and post testing allows us to statistically show some learning has taken place with those who have completed our learning.
Not ideal, we have other ways such as evaluation tools and feedback.
Thanks
Phil
Well, we use pre-test as a way to engage the students in the content, discarding preconceived assumptions on the matter and giving them some clouds or tips that can make interesting to "study". But we do not include pre-test into an Articulate Presenter project, but as a separated material.
I think pretests are very important because they allow learners to know exactly where they are on a topic. Many learners overestimate there knowledge and go through a course believing they know everything without paying much attention..
Pretests (specially when they do not perform well) help their study be oriented to answer the questions they failed. This gives them more motivation to look carefully into the learning material.
I also believe learners like the challenge pretests give, and enjoy going through them.
Finally getting the right answer after the lecture or course, gives them a sense and measurement of achievement. (before/after). It´s like weighing yourself before you start a diet.
Regards
Eduardo
Doug-
We deliver several courses each year that all staff are required to take for regulatory purposes. Sometimes the content of a course does not change from year to year, and allowing staff the option of taking the entire course or going directly to the test helps in many ways.
Deb
Hi,
I would like to utilize a pre-test to allow our seasoned employees to opt out of certain modules of the course. My LMS developer is telling me that that a can not be accomplished automaticaly by the LMS....I was hoping that some of you have Learn.com as an LMS and can offer me some tips.
thia
Thanks everyone!! Your information has been a great help!
Doug
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