Which model is the best predictor of learning achievement: raw score, relative growth or knowledge retention score?

Abstract

Objective: To verify the student learning performance using the raw score, relative growth score and knowledge retention score. Methods: Thirty-two nurse anesthetist students in academic years 2011-12, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, volunteered to participate. After pretest, they studied the designated subject via a website. After 3 weeks, the system was locked and students underwent the post-test. The final1 and final2 test were held in a classroom without prior notice. The post and final1 test as well as the final1 and final2 test took place exactly 4 weeks apart. The difference scores between pre and post-test, pre and final1 test, as well as pre and final2 test were calculated for relative growth score G1, G2 and G3 respectively. Thus the differences between G1 and G2 as well as G1 and G3 were determined as knowledge retention score R1 and R2 respectively. Results: The post, final1 and final2 test scores were significantly higher than the pretest one significantly. However, the post, final1 and final2 test scores showed no statistical difference. Though G2 and G3 appeared to decrease as compared to G1, they were not significant. The R2 showed higher than R1 without significant difference; however, they showed a strong correlation to each other (r = .69) Conclusion: The knowledge retention score was the best prediction on academic gains.