ERIC Number: ED634668
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 224
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3795-4245-0
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Computer-Based Formative Assessment in Developmental Writing Targeting Argumentative Essay Writing Skills
Moschella, Jennifer A.
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, School of Graduate Studies
In higher education, the entry-level, not-for-credit courses in Developmental Education play a pivotal role for incoming degree-seeking students. Focusing specifically on Developmental Writing, at two- and four-year public and private institutions across the country, a common requirement to pass the course is a summative argumentative essay that displays critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Within this writing genre, there are major competencies that students are required to display having learned the content: writing an argumentative thesis statement, selecting and incorporating effective evidence, and creating original, evidence-based arguments. This study tested if formative assessments (FA) used during the argumentative writing process could improve students' writing of the three major content skills. These FAs are called computer-based formative assessments (CBFAs) in this study because they were created on a computer and can be completed on any internet-enabled device. Using a mixed method intervention design that is founded in cognitive domain theory, specifically elements of evidence-centered design (ECD) and the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), the results show that the CBFA intervention tools positively impacted student writing. The main data analysis is a paired T-test, comparing the pre-assessment and post-assessment overall scores. Qualitative data includes writing samples and student and instructor feedback. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Formative Evaluation, Writing Skills, Computer Assisted Testing, Basic Writing, Developmental Studies Programs, College Students, Persuasive Discourse, Essays
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A