1. Dr. Marcia Cassidy presents … USING PRE- and POST-TESTS : - Characteristics and Cautions

2. PRE-TEST **=too much; !=enough; ?=not a clue Rate the extent to which you know… What a pre-test is**!? What a post-test is**!? Why they are used**!? What the characteristics of these tests are What cautions exist when using these tests How to write pre- and post-tests

3. Definitions Pre-test : instrument to measure “starting points” or pre-existing knowledge

4. Definitions POST-TEST : instrument that measures learning that has taken place as a result of “treatment” (instruction).

5. Visual Plan Learning Activities Pretest Post-test Grant Design/Implementation Learning Object

6. Purposes To evaluate the extent to which the lesson objectives (as specified in grant proposal) have been attained To demonstrate that learning has occurred as a result of the activities contained within the learning object To gather information to refine grant design/implementation issues

7. Measure of Appropriateness Same respondents Quantitative or “selection-type” items Concrete way to show desired results Convenient, manageable

8. Cautions (disclaimers) Factors not controlled for: -age & other demographics -common extent/length of exposure -reading proficiency (esp.piloting phase) -”testing” literacy (bias, etc..) -”learning/interaction” time (“pilot” phase)

9. Characteristics Shared format ( emphasis, language ) Comparable level of difficulty Acceptable level of validity (Does it measure targeted ob?) Similar length Measures discrete items (limited “production”) (EX: Level 4, LO#9)

10. POST-TEST **=too much; !=enough; ?=not a clue Rate the extent to which you know… What a pre-test is**!? What a post-test is**!? Why they are used**!? What the characteristics of these tests are What cautions exist when using these tests How to write pre- and post-tests