A model of the pre-assessment learning effects of assessment is operational in an undergraduate clinical context

dc.contributor.authorCilliers, Francois J.
dc.contributor.authorSchuwirth, Lambert W. T.
dc.contributor.authorVan der Vleuten, Cees P. M.
dc.date.accessioned2012-06-20T09:08:08Z
dc.date.available2012-06-20T09:08:08Z
dc.date.issued2012-03
dc.descriptionThe original publication is available at http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6920/12/9en_ZA
dc.descriptionBibliography
dc.descriptionPublication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
dc.description.abstractBackground No validated model exists to explain the learning effects of assessment, a problem when designing and researching assessment for learning. We recently developed a model explaining the pre-assessment learning effects of summative assessment in a theory teaching context. The challenge now is to validate this model. The purpose of this study was to explore whether the model was operational in a clinical context as a first step in this process. Methods Given the complexity of the model, we adopted a qualitative approach. Data from in-depth interviews with eighteen medical students were subject to content analysis. We utilised a code book developed previously using grounded theory. During analysis, we remained alert to data that might not conform to the coding framework and open to the possibility of deploying inductive coding. Ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained. Results The three components of the model i.e., assessment factors, mechanism factors and learning effects were all evident in the clinical context. Associations between these components could all be explained by the model. Interaction with preceptors was identified as a new subcomponent of assessment factors. The model could explain the interrelationships of the three facets of this subcomponent i.e., regular accountability, personal consequences and emotional valence of the learning environment, with previously described components of the model. Conclusions The model could be utilized to analyse and explain observations in an assessment context different to that from which it was derived. In the clinical setting, the (negative) influence of preceptors on student learning was particularly prominent. In this setting, learning effects resulted not only from the high-stakes nature of summative assessment but also from personal stakes, e.g. for esteem and agency. The results suggest that to influence student learning, consequences should accrue from assessment that are immediate, concrete and substantial. The model could have utility as a planning or diagnostic tool in practice and research settings.en_ZA
dc.description.sponsorshipSouth African National Research Foundationen_ZA
dc.description.sponsorshipFoundation for the Advancement of International Medical Education and Research
dc.description.versionPublishers' Versionen_ZA
dc.format.extent9 p. : ill.
dc.identifier.citationCillier, F. J. Schuwirth, L.W. T. & Van Der Vleuten, C. P. M. 2012. A model of the pre-assessment learning effects of assessment is operational in an undergraduate clinical context. BMC Medical Education, 12(1), 9, doi:10.1186/1472-6920-12-9.en_ZA
dc.identifier.issn1472-6920 (online)
dc.identifier.issn1472-6920 (print)
dc.identifier.otherdoi:10.1186/1472-6920-12-9
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/21431
dc.language.isoen_ZAen_ZA
dc.publisherBioMed Centralen_ZA
dc.rights.holderFrancois J Cilliers et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.en_ZA
dc.subjectLearning effects of assessmenten_ZA
dc.subjectLearning -- Effect of assessment on -- Research modelen_ZA
dc.subjectClinical testing -- Educational aspectsen_ZA
dc.subjectMedical students -- Rating ofen_ZA
dc.subjectMedicine -- Ability testing -- Researchen_ZA
dc.subjectResearch and development projectsen_ZA
dc.titleA model of the pre-assessment learning effects of assessment is operational in an undergraduate clinical contexten_ZA
dc.typeArticleen_ZA
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