Pretesting

Have you ever thought that giving a test before learning can improve learning outcomes?

Tests are one of the most effective learning tools. This fact has been proven by many studies, and for us, instructional designers, test development is a daily part of the job.

Traditionally, we tend to put tests at the end of the training (posttesting). However, a study by Pan and Sana 2021 (Pretesting Versus Posttesting: Comparing the Pedagogical Benefits of Errorful Generation and Retrieval Practice) suggests that the opposite strategy may be more effective.

Although posttesting allows us to test the knowledge we have acquired, pretesing might change the way we memorize new information. The exact mechanisms of pretesting effect are not entirely clear, but many studies are showing various effects coming into play (e.g. semantic mediation, semantic activation, episodic recollection). When we take a test before the learning happens, we remain vigilant throughout the course – we look for the correct answers in the material and are likely to be more engaged.

Something to think about before your next e-learning project?