Internet based formative prior knowledge assessment

Introduction Instruments Prior knowledge tests Research intruments Subjects Results Discussion and conclusion References Abstract Many investigations have shown that prior knowledge state is one of the most determining factors and an important predictor of subsequent study outcomes. This research focuses on the evaluation of a set of electronic instruments to make potential students more aware of their prior knowledge. This might lead to better-underpinned decisions about study plans at the OUNL.Many investigations have shown that prior knowledge state is one of the most determining factors and an important predictor of subsequent study outcomes. This research focuses on the evaluation of a set of electronic instruments to make potential students more aware of their prior knowledge. This might lead to better-underpinned decisions about study plans at the OUNL. The electronic intake instruments considered in this study are related to: acquaintance with the level of content and the way of studying (excursions within content domains) prior knowledge state on mathematics prior knowledge state on mastery Dutch prior knowledge state on mastery English For a period a five month possible students who visited the public Internet site of the Open University of the Netherlands (www.ou.nl/info-alg-index/index.htm) were by means of an electronic form given the possibility to express their opinion about the intake instruments provided. We received 151 valid responses. In this research we mainly focussed on student use and -appreciation. The respondents’ profiles did not differ from regular subscribers at the OUNL. It appeared to be relatively highly educated target group, the traditional bias of Internet users (e.g. young and male) has disappeared. Both can be considered remarkably high. When compared to other ways of getting information about studying at the OUNL the use was high. The appreciation was positive. Ninety percent of the responders consider the instrument to be useful.