ERIC Number: EJ1475984
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Dec
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2731-5525
Available Date: 2025-07-01
Formative Assessments Predict Performance in Anatomy Course and Can Be Used to Identify At-Risk Students Preemptively
Gurvinder Kaur2,3; Stephanie Stroever3; Megh Gore2; Bridget Vories2; Vaughan H. Lee1; Keith N. Bishop2,3; Brandt L. Schneider2,3
Discover Education, v4 Article 216 2025
Background: Formative assessments build a positive learning environment and provide feedback to enhance learning. This study examined the impact of online formative and low-stake summative assessments on medical students' learning outcomes in the Clinically Oriented Anatomy course from 2016 to 2020. We aimed to demonstrate that formative assessments clarify exam expectations, decrease test anxiety, and facilitate the early identification of academically at-risk students, enabling timely academic counseling and guidance. Methods: Students completed seven formative and nine low-stake summative assessments. Results: Strong correlations were observed between formative and summative exams performance (Spearman's rho (r[subscript s]) = 0.60-0.72) and between summative exams and NBME performance (r[subscript s] = 0.70-0.77). A multivariable model identified students scoring below 75% on the unit 1 summative exam as academically at-risk. While this model effectively identified students who were not at risk, at-risk students consistently underperformed on early assessments compared to those who achieved high pass or honors grades. Over 90% of students reported that formative assessments clarified exam expectations, reduced test anxiety, and improved exam performance. Conclusions: Over 4 years, formative assessments enhanced learning outcomes, clarified examination expectations, and reduced student stress. Online formative assessments are valuable for the early identification of at-risk students, allowing timely interventions, such as academic counselling and remediation, to improve student learning experience.
Descriptors: At Risk Students, Identification, Prediction, Anatomy, Academic Achievement, Formative Evaluation, Summative Evaluation, Computer Assisted Testing, Test Anxiety, Medical Students
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1University of South Alabama, Division of Medical Education, Mobile, USA; 2Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Lubbock, USA; 3Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Department of Medical Education, Lubbock, USA