The Effect of Frequent Assessment on Language Development

Abstract

                   Frequent assessment has been one of the most common teaching tools used in an educational field. However, its impact on learners’ performance is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of frequent assessment in the form of unit test on the midterm and final scores of the learners. Fifty Thai vocational students were recruited for the study. They were divided into two groups of 25 students each; the experimental and controlled group. A total of ten unit tests following each unit of the course were administered to the participants in the experimental group. Subsequently, feedback was given to the participants on tests’ items. The controlled group neither received any unit tests nor the feedback. Then, both groups were administered the midterm and final tests. Independent sample t-test was used to compare the midterm and final mean scores of the two groups. The result of the study showed a significant increase in the midterm and final scores of the experimental group. The scores of the midterm and final tests of the two groups were significantly different at 0.05 level. The study also revealed a strong positive relationship between the experimental group’s unit test scores and the midterm and final tests scores. In addition, there is a positive impact on the performance of students when the frequent assessment is conducted.