The Cheat Sheet as an Instrument of Study and Learning in HCI Tests

Abstract

Paper tests are the most traditional and widely used summative assessment tool in both basic and higher education. One of the criticisms of this instrument is the emotional impact on students, who feel pressured and nervous at the time of resolving a test. This paper presents a study of the uses and consequences of "cheat sheets" in HCI tests. The cheat sheet is a material prepared by the student himself that can be used during the resolution of the test. As a result, the use of the cheat sheet brought at least three positive consequences: a) motivated the students to study before the test; b) made them calmer and more confident during the test time; c) helped them to resolve the questions. In addition, from the point of view of the students, we discuss the strategies of study and organization of the content in the elaborated sheets and, from the point of view of the teacher, we discuss the strategies of elaboration of the tests with cheat sheets.