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U N I V E R S I T Y O F P I T T S B U R G H |
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A newsletter devoted to the support of teaching and learning at the University of Pittsburgh |
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U N I V E R S I T Y O F P I T T S B U R G H |
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A newsletter devoted to the support of teaching and learning at the University of Pittsburgh |
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Improved learning attributed to practice through Computer Assisted Testing
Students in Foundations of Biology courses typically are diverse in their academic backgrounds and degrees of preparation, according to Carole LaFave, coordinator of Foundations of Biology laboratories. In addition to other academic support mechanisms offered by the department, last semester optional practice quizzes became available through the Computer Assisted Testing System (CATS) in Alumni Hall. This tool provided by CIDDE’s Academic Testing Service allows students to take a quiz covering basic information for each laboratory exercise any number of times, with no negative impact on their grades. With CATS, scoring and feedback on objective exams can be immediate. The CATS practice quizzes provide a way for students to review what they know while determining information that they need to learn, according to LaFave. Immediate corrective feedback is perceived by students as non-threatening because the quizzes do not directly affect students’ grades. Those who choose to take the quizzes develop confidence that they are able to master laboratory exercises. Furthermore, students have reported that the quizzes have helped them to master post-laboratory activity quizzes and practical exams that do contribute to their course grades.
LaFave attributes improved student retention and the highest ever percentages of A’s and B’s last semester to the review quizzes. Students have provided feedback that the quizzes helped them to learn and made them more comfortable and confident in taking post-lab quizzes and practical exams. Faculty who are interested in more information about using CATS may contact Rosemarie Lyons at lyonsjr@pitt.edu or 412-624-8128.
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A newsletter devoted to the support of teaching and learning at the University of Pittsburgh |
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