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Fri, Oct 7, 10:30 - 10:55, Governors C Paper (refereed)

Recommended Citation: Dettori, L, T A Steinbach, and M Kalin. Is this Course Right for You? Using Self-Tests for Student Placement. In The Proceedings of the Information Systems Education Conference 2005, v 22 (Columbus OH): §2312. ISSN: 1542-7382. (A later version appears in Information Systems Education Journal 4(77). ISSN: 1545-679X.)

Is this Course Right for You? Using Self-Tests for Student Placement

Refereed

10 pages

Lucia Dettori    [a1] [a2]
School of Computer Science, Telecommunications, and Information Systems
DePaul University    [u1] [u2]
Chicago, Illinois, USA    [c1] [c2]

Theresa A. Steinbach    [a1] [a2]
School of Computer Science, Telecommunications, and Information Systems
DePaul University    [u1] [u2]
Chicago, Illinois, USA    [c1] [c2]

Martin Kalin    [a1] [a2]
School of Computer Science, Telecommunications, and Information Systems
DePaul University    [u1] [u2]
Chicago, Illinois, USA    [c1] [c2]

Key to student success in introductory Information Technology and Computer Science courses is the adequate mastery of prerequisite concepts. One method utilized to ensure the proper placement of students in these first courses is through self-administered computerized assessment tests. These tests were introduced as a result of a major restructuring of the undergraduate curriculum at the authors’ school, the establishment of a prerequisite-light introductory sequence, the wide range of skill sets of entering freshmen, the high number of transfer students from community colleges, and the use of these courses by several graduate degrees in their prerequisite phase. Six tests have been created to test fundamental programming concepts, database manipulation and design, data analysis and development methodologies. Advisors encourage the use of these tests for initial placement. Some students have long gaps between the first and second courses in a sequence and can assess their retention of material. Graduate students planning to test out of prerequisite requirements use them to assess their knowledge prior to taking a Graduate Assessment Exams. This paper describes the development, implementation, and effectiveness of these tests as advising and assessment tools.

Keywords: placement test, assessment, self-assessment, computer-based testing, advising

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