eLearning Options: Pre and Post Assessments

As we have explored in previous posts, online learning uses a variety of techniques and methods to deliver and enhance the learning experience. One of these options is the use of pre- and post-assessments.

Pre-learning assessments are taken by students prior to taking a formal course. By using intermediate scoring the instructor (and the student) can quickly determine a good baseline for the learning curriculum. In addition, the educator can use the feedback to determine where the gaps are in the participants experience as compared to the curriculum and then quickly take action to bridge the gaps so that the maximum learning effect is achieved. Or, in some cases, the educator can work with the student to "jump" them ahead to an appropriate level of learning should the feedback indicate that the student is further advanced than the course was designed.

Post-assessments taken at the completion of the course can measure and demonstrate successful achievement and/or application of specific competencies, skills and tasks. The educator can use these results to recommend additional resources that will enable the student to take advantage of continuous learning opportunities based on their specific achievement(s).

In summary, the use of pre- and post-assessments can be beneficial to both the educator and the student. With careful evaluation of the results the educator can quickly adapt or bridge any gaps that the student(s) may have based on the chosen curriculum. And, with post-assessment results the educator can not only recommend additional learning oppoortunities for the student, but then the curriculum can be amended for future sessions.

Copyright M. A. Webb, 2005. All Rights Reserved

Source: http://WeTrainU.blogspot.com

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