Can You Really Learn By Taking A Test?

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Surprise, surprise, the answer is a resounding YES!!!


The New York Times published an article back in 2011 titled, “To Really Learn, Quit Studying And Take A Test.” In this article the author, Pam Belluck, reported on research from the journal Science that found that after students read a passage, followed by a test asking them to recall what they had read, the students retained about 50 percent more of the information a week later than students who used two other study methods. Those other methods were: repeatedly studying the material, similar to what most students do in the classroom or when they cram for a test; or having students draw detailed diagrams documenting what they are learning. The latter method is one supported by many teachers because it forces students to make connections among facts. 


The article goes on to give detailed support for the test-taking method of learning. Pam Belluck states that when students are later asked what they have learned, they can more easily “retrieve it and organize the knowledge that they have in a way that makes sense to them.”


So, those who might be considering CLEP or DSST credit by examination and who may be wondering if this type of learning is anywhere near as good as either sitting in a classroom, learning specific information from a teacher and a textbook, or from spending time alone studying and organizing the information into concept mapping diagrams or by writing a brief essay based on what students read, the answer is a YES, it is in fact an excellent way to learn. 


I took quite a few credit by examination tests when I was in college. Where I attended college these were known as “waiver” exams and they were available for every basic required undergraduate course, the general survey type courses that every student had to complete. We could purchase a syllabus for the course, read up on the material covered in the syllabus, then sign up to take the test, usually right before the beginning of each semester. If we passed the test we waived the requirement and could take something else, something we would rather take. If we passed with a high enough score, which varied from course to course, we could earn credit for the course, or we had “comped” the course. If we failed the waiver exam we could try to take it again before the next semester, or we could go ahead and take the course. 


I thought these “waiver” and “comp” exams were great, allowing me to take many courses I could never otherwise have fit into my undergraduate education. “Comp” is short for “comprehensive” exams. I took classes in comparative literature, many classes in philosophy, other foreign language classes besides those in my French minor, some art classes, too. So look for these opportunities wherever students decide, or as students decide where they might want to attend college. Not all colleges offer these credit by examination options. And the same goes for CLEP and DSST credits. Most colleges accept and give credit for some of these courses. Some colleges give more and some give less. Most colleges do recognize that students who have studied for and taken CLEP and DSST exams, and who have passed these exams, are clearly good college material and are happy to admit them as students. Some colleges and universities are also happy to give credit for between 30 and 60 semester credit hours to those who have completed and passed these exams. Be sure to ask and research all credit by examination possibilities that might be available. Students can save money and might find college even more interesting.


You can read all about the students and the experiments used in this research at the following New York Times link:


https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/21/science/21memory.html?src=me&ref=general


-- Norma Curry

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