In the world of education there are many ways of engaging students to find out what they have learnt. From nursery to post graduate one such method is conducting quizzes. Outcome of rote learning can be made interesting and engrossing by practicing quizzes.
Using quizzes can help students practice while they learn. These quizzes could be curricular or common Knowledge types. Through research it is found that quizzes increase attendance and the respective teacher is liked by the students. Teachers can vouch that because of this method; students go through the lesson word by word.
Authors David A. Wilder, William A. Flood and Wibecke Stromsnes (2001) in their study ‘The Use of Random Extra Credit Quizzes to Increase Student Attendance’, indicated that student attendance increased by 10% when the quizzes were in place. In addition, student attendance was positively correlated with overall course score, and student response to the extra credit quiz system was favorable.
Topic by topic low impact quizzes can dilute the pressure and negative impact of a poor performance. If a student gets habit of expecting of a quiz assessment at each or end of the topic class meeting, he s better prepared all the time, so they study and prepare over time rather than all at once. Taking frequent, low impact quizzes can diminish test-taking anxieties and prepare students for major tests
The Quiz is a very powerful activity that can be used either feedback for improving knowledge, or for assessment. There is considerable research to support that it contributes to student development and retention. In distance learning, immediate feedback given to students while they learn is of utmost importance. Providing feedback in a quiz helps focus the learning.
The research undertaken by Lorenzo Salas-Morera, Antonio Arauzo-Azofra, Laura García-Hernández, ANALYSIS OF ONLINE QUIZZES AS A TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT TOOL published Journal of Technology and Science Education, Journal of Technology and Science Education; aimed to test quizzes effectiveness on student performance when used, not only as an isolated assessment tool, but also when integrated into a combined strategy, which support the overall programming of the subject.
The results obtained during the five years of experimentation using online quizzes shows that such quizzes have a proven positive influence on students’ academic performance. Furthermore, surveys conducted at the end of each course revealed the high value students accord to use of online quizzes in course instruction.
Thulasirani AP Munuyandi, Salina Husain, Mohd Azidan Abdul Jabar, Zuraini Jusoh conclude that it is important for teachers to consider using fun and entertainment technology quizzing tools to teach Malay grammar.
Crede and Sotola(Iowa State University,2020) discovered that when students are quizzed over class material at least once a week, they tend to perform better on midterm and final exams compared to students who did not take quizzes. They also found that students who took frequent quizzes were less likely to fail the class, especially if they were struggling with the course content.
Nese Sevim-Cirak, Omer Faruk Islim in their paper ‘Paper versus online quizzes: Which is more effective; writes Data were collected via three quizzes, a midterm exam, and a retention test. The study’s results indicate that the students who were applied paper-based quizzes had higher exam and retention test scores.
In a nutshell : Use of Quizzes
Quizzes are fun: Learning becomes fun. On another for teachers, a quiz can be a few minutes of relaxation and attendance is guaranteed.
Builds confidence: It boosts self esteem & confidence. Even the non-participant of the class may become active while in quiz session. Quizzes for children can aid planning and identify progress.
Topic assessments at the end of lesson : A quiz or poll at the end of a lesson is a good way to gain a quick overview of who needs help and where teacher could challenge pupils further. A quiz at the end of a lesson or a unit of work is an entertaining way to find out how much pupils have learned. It can also inform any further follow up needed.
Revision: Pre-test quizzes can help pupils revise their lesson automatically without even realising they are doing it.
Quizzes for tracking : Keeping a record of pupils’ scores and responses provides evidence of teacher’s evaluation too. Also it can help a teacher monitor and track progress of students
Quizzes encourage pupils’ self awareness of progress and self assessment, pupils get instant feedback on their responses to identify areas where they need to develop themselves and highlight progress.
Increase student Attendance: Quizzes can help teachers have rich interaction and dialogue with pupils
Conclusion
According to Bruce W. Kennedy, in his paper The Value of Quizzes , writes that research shows that the brain is a quirky learning machine, demanding units of learning that are spaced apart. Learning snippets and taking quizzes might better match the needs of our brain for assimilating information.
Studies show that this helps both athletes and students improve their skills and test scores, respectively. Smaller mental packets of information, presented here and there, with time in between to process, seem to aid learning more effectively than does a massive burst of information. Thus, it is recommended that teachers and trainers incorporate quizzes as a means to both teach and assess.
And a quiz is a good way for a pupil to identify and take ownership of their knowledge gaps. It’s also a great way to help them to plug the gaps to boost their confidence when it comes to formal testing.
They are also a great way to help with revision. And are a fun tool to help enthuse children to engage in their learning.
In fact, it can also support a growth mindset and foster the attitude to life-long learning that you aim to give pupils.