Examining Students' Formative Test-Taking Behaviors Using Learning Analytics

Abstract

In online learning environments, assessment is an important dimension and also one of the most challenging parts of the process. So to provide an effective learning process analyzing students’ behaviors are important for designing formative and summative assessment environments. In this study, students’ profiles have been analyzed in a formative assessment environment and compared with the summative assessment environment based on attempt count, overall time spent, first attempt score, and the last attempt score metrics. The within-subjects design has been used. Cluster analysis and the Kruskal Wallis-H Test were used to analyze behaviors. The data show that there are three main clusters. Cluster 1 showed a high number of interactions, and an increasing trend was observed in grades over attempts. Cluster 2 consists of the students who received the best grades in all of the other clusters, and lastly, cluster 3 consists of students that interact little and score lower on formative assessments.