THE INFLUENCE OF ONLINE FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT ON UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN THE AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE AND MOTIVATION

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Formative evaluation is a continuous process that happens throughout the educational journey. A crucial part of formative evaluation is constructive feedback Teachers carry out formative assessments throughout the learning process in order to adjust instruction and learning activities to raise student achievement.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to ascertain how students' knowledge and motivation were affected by online formative assessments.

Methods: In the study, third-year MBBS students were included. After three months of regular academic instruction, a 20-mark structured internal assessment exam was given. Five online formative evaluations were given to the same group of students every two weeks for the next three months of academic instruction. To evaluate their analytical skills, they underwent periodic online formative assessments consisting of multiple- choice questions, short answer questions (BAQ), and structured case scenarios. Online platform used for these assessments was Google form and Google classroom assignments. After each online formative assessment constructive feedback was given to the students. For the same group of learners, an internal assessment of twenty marks was conducted. The Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) (Pintrich, Smith, Garcia, and McKechie, 1991) was used to gauge students' motivation both before and after they took periodic formative assessments, serving as a pre-test and post-test. Each applicant received a composite score, which was determined by summing together all of the replies and varying the values from the least to the most motivated.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.0001). Students who took the MSLQ pre- and post- formative assessments had average overall scores of 157.75 and 163.02, respectively. It was also observed that this difference was significant (p=0.048). Students' understanding significantly improved as a result of doing online formative exams. Additionally, students seemed to be motivated for their test.

Conclusion: In summary, formative evaluation is a useful tool for improving student learning by raising their level of understanding and motivation. Online platforms may be used efficiently for this.