Recent studies suggest that testing on prior material enhances subsequent learning of new material. Although such forward testing effect has received extensive empirical support, it is not yet clear how testing facilitates subsequent learning. One possible explanation suggests that interim testing informs learners about the format of an upcoming…

Considerable research has examined the prevalence and apparent consequences of task-unrelated thoughts (TUTs) in both laboratory and authentic educational settings. Few studies, however, have explored methods to reduce TUTs during learning; those few studies tested small samples or used unvalidated TUT assessments. The present experimental study…

Compared with other learning strategies, retrieval practice seems to promote superior long-term retention. This has been found mostly in conditions where learners take tests after being exposed to learning content. However, a pre-testing effect has also been demonstrated, with promising results. This raises the question, for a given amount of time…

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AN INTEREST-MOTIVATED METHOD OF INSTRUCTION IN REMEDIAL ENGLISH WAS EVALUATED. ALL STUDENTS INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT WERE PERSONS WHO HAD GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE LOWER 40 PERCENT OF THEIR CLASSES. THEY WERE ADMITTED TO COLLEGE ON A PROBATIONARY BASIS. EIGHT GROUPS OF STUDENTS WERE INVOLVED. FOUR GROUPS WERE…

Computer assisted test construction (CATC) is a new testing technique that seems to provide ease and flexibility for faculty members and students. The purpose of this paper was to verify that student test scores are not adversely affected by implementation of CATC. Two sections of a basic course in cataloging were tested for one semester. One…

A description of a method used with criterion referenced tests which is designed to reduce guessing. (HB)

Retrospective pretesting is a method for inferring learning by using the students' recollections of their preinstruction knowledge in lieu of actual pretesting. The most significant problem encountered in such a procedure is establishing the validity of the inferred precourse level of information; attempts to deal with that issue are presented.…

An analysis of various studies which have examined the effect of questions in the textual content of instructional materials. (JB)

Described is a study designed to test on a scientific basis the effectiveness of Dr. Francis Christensen's program for teaching composition. (RY)

Four Proficiency Examinations for Clinical Laboratory Personnel were developed in Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology, Hematology, and Blood Banking. Purpose of project was to enable competent military laboratory technicians who lack credentials to demonstrate their job-related skills and knowledge for civilian positions, and also to help civilians…

There is evidence that pre-tests can have orienting and motivational and teaching functions - in addition to the sought-for testing function. There is also evidence that these additional functions can be either general or specific. The present paper contributes to the ongoing debate by discussing the issues involved in the context of a series of…

This survey reports on 30 colleges and universities some of which offered mandatory health courses and some of which did not. Results of health knowledge and its personal importance was tabulated for schools, geographic locations, sex differences and grade levels. Tables are included. (CJ)