Do quizzes really enhance learning in class?
This research explores the impact of quiz frequency and placement on student learning, revealing intriguing insights for teaching strategies (MacDaniel and Argawal, 2011).
Test-enhanced learning is an approach that uses quizzes not just for assessment but as a tool to enhance learning.
Assessment involves strategically using quizzes during the learning process to reinforce material and improve retention. This study examined the effects of different quiz frequencies and the timing of their placement in middle school science education.
The frequency varied from regular to infrequent quizzes, and their placement was either at the start, middle, or end of a learning sequence.
Understanding the effect of quiz frequency and placement is crucial because it directly relates to how students engage with and retain new information. Quizzes can serve as a means of active recall, which is known to strengthen memory and promote deeper learning.
The study’s insights help teachers to tailor their strategies to maximise student engagement and the effectiveness of their teaching, aligning curriculum plans for hard learning! Teachers can incorporate the findings by adjusting the frequency of quizzes in their lesson plans.
Frequent quizzes can be used as a regular part of classroom activities to keep students engaged with the material. The placement of quizzes can also be varied based on the lesson’s objectives; for example, starting a lesson with a quiz may prime students for new information, while concluding with a quiz can consolidate learning. It’s about finding the right balance that works for the class dynamics and the content being taught.
