Choosing an Area for Inquiry Project

Main Topic: Two-Stage Test/Exams

For those who do not know Two-Stage test/exam is a test that has two parts. The first part of the test is done individually like any test we all might be familiar with. There is a second part where you are given a portion of the test from the first part again to the students, but have students come to the group and come up with a solution together. The given questions are usually the hardest part of the test, so could be a long answer question or a multilayered question. The purpose of this exam is to reduce the stress level of the students and to turn the test into a learning tool and not just an assessment tool.

I wanted to talk about this because this is something that I've only experienced in the Physics department once I came to UBC. I think this was a unique experience that I think was beneficial in my learning. This is why I started to wonder why this type of strategy has not been implemented into 'rework' the system around testing and assessment. I feel like we only ever think about moving away from a standardized tests, but why can't we change the test to better suit our desired outcome? 

1. Define Your Question:

    What are some ways that you could turn tests into a learning experience and not just a tool for an assessment? Is Two-Stage a good tool to achieve such a goal?

2. Analyze Your Topic into Concepts:

    a. Vygotsky's Sociocultural & Social interaction in learning

    b. Assessment for Learning (AfL). AfL has disseminated four interventions: questioning, feedback through marking, peer- and self-assessment, and formative use of summative tests.