Effective Teaching Series: Collaborative Learning – Two-stage Tests to Support Student Learning and Experience

As we move towards more active approaches in our classrooms, one goal of effective teaching is to align our testing with our practices. One useful tool is “two-stage” testing, also called “collaborative testing,” in which students first complete the test individually and then join a group for the second stage. Two-stage testing has positive impacts on a variety of student outcomes, including learning, motivation, confidence and inclusion. Several approaches exist, and this workshop is your chance to figure out how to make these assessments work in your context.

During this interactive workshop, we will:

1. Identify the goals and evidence behind two-stage tests

2. Describe the process of two-stage tests and their many varieties

3. Consider challenges and solutions to help make this approach successful across a broad spectrum of classrooms and students

Novices and veterans from all disciplines and course levels (undergraduate and graduate) are welcome!