Assessment for Learning MOOC’s Updates

CAT-tivating: an innovative, computer-mediated assessment

Computer-adaptive testing (CAT) is an innovative assessment method that adjusts question difficulty based on a student’s responses. For example, if a student answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging; if they get it wrong, the following question is easier. This allows the test to more accurately measure a student’s skill level in a shorter time. Its strengths include being time-efficient, reducing test anxiety by matching questions to ability, and providing quick results. However, CAT can be expensive to develop, may disadvantage students unfamiliar with digital testing, and may not fully assess higher-order thinking skills. Despite these drawbacks, CAT offers a personalized and precise way to evaluate students’ abilities.