Saturday, October 21, 2006 - 3:45 PM
Salon C ( Houston Westchase Marriott Hotel)
737

Pyramid Testing: Building and Catalyzing Change

Thomas Jose, Blinn College - Bryan Campus, Bryan, TX

Pyramid testing is a two-part testing procedure that awards credit to students not only for individual achievement, but for group work as well. Originally implemented in our program to eliminate the need for extensive, time-consuming post-exam discussion, this testing procedure has become an authentic learning experience for instructors and students alike. This presentation will discuss the learning theory behind this student-centered testing style, outline advantages and disadvantages of pyramid testing, and discuss practical considerations of this method. Variations in pyramid testing that we have implemented will be introduced. Pyramid testing has been used extensively in our CHEM 1405 Introductory Chemistry course for course for liberal arts and non-science majors. This presentation also outlines the steps taken to more formally evaluate our use of pyramid testing. Patterns in individual and group success on semester exams will be clarified. Students' attitudes and reactions to this approach are also considered. Early experiences with pyramid testing have guided decisions to modify the course focus. The hope is that these changes result in a course better suited for the terminal chemistry student. Implementation of this method has been timely as it complements our institution's push for student engagement.