Premium
Computerized Assessment of Dental Student Writing Skills
Author(s) -
Holtzman Joseph M.,
Elliot Norbert,
Biber Cheryl L.,
Sanders R. Michael
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of dental education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.53
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1930-7837
pISSN - 0022-0337
DOI - 10.1002/j.0022-0337.2005.69.2.tb03915.x
Subject(s) - coursework , eleventh , context (archaeology) , writing assessment , computer science , mathematics education , medical education , sophistication , educational measurement , psychology , curriculum , pedagogy , medicine , paleontology , social science , physics , sociology , acoustics , biology
This study tested the feasibility of using computer‐based tools for the assessment of written materials produced by dental students. Written assignments produced by three consecutive incoming dental school classes (240 students) were assessed, and the performance among and between classes was analyzed. Computerized assessment of documents produced by students in the context of their regular coursework proved to be an efficient and effective mechanism for assessing performance. Student performance, assessed as a byproduct of this research, was disappointing. The performance of all classes fell below the eleventh grade level, with some students producing written material at a level of sophistication generally expected from middle school children. Existing technology shows promise as a vehicle for enhancing the assessment of dental students’ written communication skills. The ease of use and minimal training necessary to apply this technology can help mitigate the time‐intensive nature of writing assessment. If this assessment information is then used to enhance instruction—a process inherently available through software such as WebCT—the distance between assessment and instruction may be more readily bridged through an increase in the use of technology.