The effect of designated learning strategies and reflective versus impulsive cognitive styles on performance in a maze learning task was investigated. Performance of both reflective and impulsive subjects was improved by appropriate learning strategies. (Author/MT)

Imposing time limits on tests can serve a range of important functions. Time limits are essential, for example, if speed of performance is an integral component of what is being measured, as would be the case when testing such skills as how quickly someone can type. Limiting testing time also helps contain expenses associated with test…

This Digest describes matrix sampling of test items as an approach to achieving broad coverage while minimizing testing time per student. Matrix sampling involves developing a complete set of items judged to cover the curriculum, then dividing the items into subsets and administering one subset to each student. Matrix sampling, by limiting the…

Describes a study designed to determine whether one-minute or two-minute tests of reading rates are more reliable and whether warm-up exercises improve the accuracy of rate measures. Indicates that results were inconsistent with theoretical expectations and past research and suggests that no changes in standardized testing practices are currently…

Describes the problems some basic writing students have had generating ideas for writing in response to timed essay tests. Proposes a technique based on the classical notion of the "topoi," which enables students to generate ideas and equips them for participation in the social and political dialogs they encounter in higher education.…

Evaluates situational bias that could be associated with curriculum-based measurement (CBM). During CBM, students are timed while responding. Results showed that students' accuracy levels increased under the conspicuous timing conditions, but there was no interaction between timing condition and ethnicity for digits correct per minute, digits…

Seven 5-minute, straight-copy timed writings administered to 87 college students revealed that (1) use of the print and return features of electronic typewriters does not automatically heighten speed or accuracy; and (2) students do not necessarily choose the best combination of features for enhancing performance. (SK)

The study, with 16 learning-disabled and 15 normally achieving college students, found a significant difference on reading comprehension scores between groups under timed conditions but no significant differences in test performance when both groups were provided extra time. (Author/DB)

Analysis of over 750 timed writings of postsecondary keyboarding students found speeds ranging from 39-49 gross words per minute. They left uncorrected one-half to three-quarters of an error per minute. Accuracy and speed standards representing realistic conditions using electronic equipment should now be developed. (SK)

Educators are currently exploring the expanded use of a variety of new assessment tools in the classroom in response to pressures to enhance student learning. The present study examined quick writes as a tool in the context of third-grade classroom assessment. Third-grade teachers administered the same brief writing probe before and after students…

Timed writing material contained in this document are intended to provide high school, technical, and junior college students with typewriting practice for speed and accuracy on straight copy. The writings are divided into three sections: Section 1 contains 2-, 3-, and 5-minute timed writings; section 2 contains progressive sentences for building…

The study involving 614 hearing impaired students investigated the adequacy of time limits currently followed in the administration of two subtests of the Differential Aptitude Test battery when used with young deaf students. Thirty-six students who did not complete the Space Relations portion of the battery under the timed condition, and 11 who…

In order to determine whether students transcribe the same number of words regardless of the speed of the dictation, dictation tests were administered to students enrolled in beginning Gregg shorthand at the secondary level. Test batteries were administered at three different times throughout the first semester of shorthand instruction. The…

A survey test in arithmetic consisting of two separately administered parts (see TM 000 967 and TM 000 968) was given to pupils in Grade 4 of the Vancouver School System. Test content included a computation section (Part I) and a concept section (Part II). A summary of test results is presented in three tables. (CK)