Enhancing student learning through on-line quizzes

Abstract

We have experimented with the use of weekly on-line quizzes to enhance student learning in our first-year computer science courses. In our experiments we compared the effectiveness of using quizzes to the alternative of using weekly marked laboratory assignments. The results of our experiments show that student learning and retention increase with on-line quizzes. Weekly quizzes would be impossible if they were administered and marked in the traditional fashion; thus, we developed and used a secure, online environment for administering, writing, and marking the quizzes, with most of the marking performed automatically via simple marking programs. In this paper we describe our experiment, present our observations about student learning, outline student opinion, relate problems we encountered and our solutions, and provide technical details of our closed-quiz and marking environment.

Ironcode

“…We often evaluate student progress in courses using tests or drills [2,1,3,9,10]. In addition, online quizzes have been used in introductory programming courses [11]. Main and Savitch provide software with their text that will automatically test methods for correctness [6].…”

Identifying topics for instructional improvement through on-line tracking of programming assignments

“…In the abundance of software tools for on-line administration and evaluation of student work [1,4,7,8,9,10,11,12], very little attention is given to assessment for instructional improvements. The focus of most of this work is on the on-line marking of students' work and on the direct pedagogical aspects of the process.…”

Lessons Learned in the Use of WIRIS Quizzes to Upgrade Moodle to Solve Electrical Circuits

“…Peat et al [7] also reach the same conclusions, but add that to really benefit from the resources students have to be sufficiently critical of their own performance. Woit and Manson [8] provide some evidence that online quizzes enhance learning in their target group. A student survey reflects an overall perception of improved grades and enhanced learning through online quizzes.…”