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1.3 Examples for student-centered test taking strategies
Student-centered test taking strategies are techniques that prioritize student engagement and self-assessment during the testing process. These strategies encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning and assess their own progress, rather than relying solely on the instructor’s evaluation. Some examples of student-centered test taking strategies include self-evaluation, peer evaluation, and Choice-Based Testing

1. 
   Self-evaluation is a strategy in which students assess their own performance on a test or assignment. This can involve students reviewing their answers to identify areas of strength and weakness, evaluating the effectiveness of their test taking strategies, and setting goals for future assessments. Self-evaluation allows students to take ownership of their learning and identify areas where they need to improve, ultimately leading to better performance on future assessments.
   

Research has shown that self-evaluation can improve students’ learning outcomes. In a study conducted by Vrugt and Oort (2008), students who engaged in self-evaluation showed significant improvements in their academic performance compared to students who did not engage in self-evaluation. Additionally, students who engaged in self-evaluation were more motivated to learn and showed higher levels of self-regulation and self-efficacy.

2. 
   Peer evaluation is a student-centered test-taking strategy that involves students providing feedback to one another on their performance in assessments. This strategy can be used in a variety of assessment formats, such as group projects, presentations, and written assignments. Peer evaluation can help students develop their critical thinking skills and provide a more comprehensive view of their performance.
   

In a peer evaluation, students are given a rubric or a set of criteria to evaluate their peers’ work. They are usually asked to provide both positive feedback and constructive criticism. This feedback can help students identify areas where they need to improve and learn from their mistakes. Peer evaluation can also foster a sense of community and collaboration among students, as they work together to provide feedback and help one another improve.
One of the benefits of peer evaluation is that it allows for a more diverse and inclusive assessment process. Students may have different perspectives and backgrounds that can provide unique insights into their peers’ work. This can help to reduce the potential biases that may be present in assessments conducted by instructors alone. Additionally, peer evaluation can help to develop students’ social skills and ability to provide constructive feedback, which are important skills in many professional and personal settings.
However, it is important to note that peer evaluation should be carefully structured and monitored to ensure its effectiveness. Clear guidelines and criteria should be provided to students to ensure consistency and fairness in evaluations. It is also important to provide training and support for students on how to provide effective feedback and constructive criticism.

3. 
   Choice-based testing is another a student-centered testing strategy that offers learners more control over the testing process. Rather than having a fixed set of questions, students are given a range of questions or tasks to choose from. This approach allows students to showcase their strengths and preferences and to take ownership of their learning.⁶
   

In a choice-based test, students are typically provided with a list of questions or tasks that align with the learning objectives for the assessment. The questions may vary in difficulty, format, or topic. Students are then given the freedom to choose which questions they want to answer. They may be required to answer a certain number of questions or to complete a certain number of points’ worth of questions.
Choice-based testing can be implemented in various ways, depending on the teacher’s preferences and the learning goals for the assessment. For example, students may be given the option to choose between short-answer questions, essay questions, or multiple-choice questions. Alternatively, students may be given a choice between different topics, themes, or contexts.
One advantage of choice-based testing is that it allows students to demonstrate their learning in a way that reflects their interests and strengths. For example, a student who is more skilled at writing essays than answering multiple-choice questions can choose to focus on the essay questions. This can lead to increased motivation and engagement in the testing process.
Additionally, choice-based testing can reduce test anxiety and promote a growth mindset by allowing students to take ownership of their learning and to view assessment as a learning opportunity rather than a high-stakes evaluation.
However, there are also potential drawbacks to choice-based testing. For example, students may choose to answer only the questions they feel most comfortable with, rather than challenging themselves to tackle more difficult questions. Additionally, students may be tempted to focus on topics they already know well, rather than exploring new areas of knowledge.