Diagnostic Testing-An Evaluation 1998-2007

Diagnostic tests to assess basic mathematical skills of students entering service; mathematics courses are commonplace within third level institutions. Their purpose and use; are varied: they can identify learner deficiencies, misconceptions and skill level in order to; design and implement remedies; they give quick feedback to students on what is expected,; and guidance for effective support. The collation and analysis of students’ results on such; tests can play an important part in ‘identifying students at risk of failing because of their; mathematical deficiencies, targeting remedial help, designing programmes and modules; that take account of general levels of mathematical attainments, and removing unrealistic; staff expectations’, (Engineering Council, 2000) The author has been running a programme; using diagnostic testing for the past ten years. This paper analyses the test data and looks at; the effectiveness of the programme. It identifies key issues and areas for further study.