When you’re delivering a course to a group of learners with vastly different knowledge levels or skill sets, one way to adapt the course content to their specific needs is by having them take a plac...
Published 6 years ago
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For one of my simulator technician training series (EPIC Avionics), we had to test the candidates prior to their entrance into the program. There were a series of questions covering various topics and the SMEs and I had a long conversation on tracking and passing.
What we came up with was, the techs needed to answer ALL Level 3 questions, 4/6 Level 2 questions, and 5/10 Level 3 questions. That required creating and manipulating a set of variables for L1, L2, and L3 questions each with "points" assigned (L1=1, L2=2, and L3=3). Results were calculated using a raw score as well meeting the objectives of the L1, L2, and L3 question answering requirements.
It was a lot of work, but in the end, it provided a nice assessment of the candidate's overall knowledge of the subject. In subsequent modules with this group, we then provided "test out" options where an initial assessment was provided. If the candidate scored XX% or above, they skipped the training; if they scored between XX% and XX%, they took a variable-produced option of the course, and if they failed the assessment, then the course automatically took them through then entire module.
SL360 has a LOT of power and options with the use of variables!
What we came up with was, the techs needed to answer ALL Level 3 questions, 4/6 Level 2 questions, and 5/10 Level 3 questions. That required creating and manipulating a set of variables for L1, L2, and L3 questions each with "points" assigned (L1=1, L2=2, and L3=3). Results were calculated using a raw score as well meeting the objectives of the L1, L2, and L3 question answering requirements.
It was a lot of work, but in the end, it provided a nice assessment of the candidate's overall knowledge of the subject. In subsequent modules with this group, we then provided "test out" options where an initial assessment was provided. If the candidate scored XX% or above, they skipped the training; if they scored between XX% and XX%, they took a variable-produced option of the course, and if they failed the assessment, then the course automatically took them through then entire module.
SL360 has a LOT of power and options with the use of variables!
I'm curious, James - was the initial assessment the only assessment in the course, or did you have a post-test for those who didn't score well enough to test out?
- We had the initial "test out" assessment that directed the candidates to the right path. Those that passed went on, no further assessment needed. Those that were shaky went through a refresher series of the course (using variables associated with the questions they missed), and those that failed went through the whole course and then were re-directed back to the initial assessment once more to check their understanding. If they failed once more, then it was up to the supervisors to decide the next best path for them.