On-Line Assessment Of Higher-Order Thinking Skills: A Java-Based Extension To Closed-Form Testing

Book: 
Proceedings of the sixth international conference on teaching statistics, Developing a statistically literate society
Authors: 
Thomas, D. A. & Ökten, G., & Paul Buis
Editors: 
Phillips, B.
Type: 
Proceedings
Category: 
Other
Pages: 
Online
Year: 
2002
Publisher: 
International Statistical Institute
URL: 
http://www.stat.auckland.ac.nz/~iase/publications/1/6d4_thom.pdf
Abstract: 

WWW-based mathematics and statistics courses frequently incorporate machine-scorable items (i.e., True-False, Multiple Choice, and Matching) in both formative and summative assessments. For instance, WebCT and BlackBoard provide interfaces for the development and delivery of closed-form quizzes and examinations. Using these technologies, it is relatively easy to determine whether students possess detailed factual knowledge. It is much more difficult, using these technologies, to assess higher order thinking skills. This paper presents a Java-based extension to closed-form testing that may be better suited to assessing higher-order thinking skills.

The CAUSE Research Group is supported in part by a member initiative grant from the American Statistical Association’s Section on Statistics and Data Science Education