What are the best types of e-learning assessments to use for long-term retention?

E-learning assessments are not only a way to measure learners' progress and performance, but also a powerful tool to enhance their long-term retention of the course content. However, not all types of assessments are equally effective for this purpose. In this article, we will explore some of the best types of e-learning assessments to use for long-term retention, and how to design and implement them in your courses.

1 Formative assessments

Formative assessments are ongoing, low-stakes, and feedback-oriented assessments that check learners' understanding and skills throughout the course. They help learners identify their strengths and weaknesses, monitor their own learning, and adjust their strategies accordingly. Formative assessments can take various forms, such as quizzes, self-assessments, polls, surveys, peer reviews, or interactive exercises. The key is to provide immediate and constructive feedback that reinforces the correct answers, explains the incorrect ones, and guides learners to the next steps.

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Dakota Tevis, M.Ed.

Instructional Designer | PhD Candidate in Cognitive Psychology
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Formative assessments themselves add to a learner's experience by providing opportunities to engage in metacognitive self-assessment about the topic in a safe space that will continue to support their growth in the subject. By engaging in formative assessments with rich feedback, we allow learners to grow intrinsic motivation that is based on knowledge growth, and not based on avoidance of negative performance.

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2 Spaced repetition

Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing the same material at increasing intervals over time. It is based on the idea that memory retention is improved when information is repeated and spaced out, rather than crammed in one session. Spaced repetition can be incorporated into e-learning assessments by using flashcards, review questions, or summary modules that revisit the key concepts and facts from previous lessons. Spaced repetition helps learners consolidate their memory, prevent forgetting, and transfer their knowledge to new situations.

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Fatma Abdelfatah

mba civil engineer
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It's like doing mental reps at the gym for your brain 🧠 This gradual increase in the intervals between reviews helps to cement the information in your memory.

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3 Retrieval practice

Retrieval practice is a learning technique that involves recalling information from memory, rather than re-reading or re-watching it. It is based on the idea that memory retrieval strengthens the neural connections and makes the information more accessible and durable. Retrieval practice can be incorporated into e-learning assessments by using tests, quizzes, or prompts that require learners to actively retrieve and apply what they have learned. Retrieval practice helps learners improve their comprehension, retention, and metacognition.

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4 Scenario-based assessments

Scenario-based assessments are assessments that present learners with realistic and relevant situations that require them to apply their knowledge and skills in a meaningful way. They are based on the idea that learning is more effective and memorable when it is contextualized and problem-oriented, rather than abstract and isolated. Scenario-based assessments can take various forms, such as case studies, simulations, role plays, or games that challenge learners to analyze, evaluate, and solve problems. Scenario-based assessments help learners develop their critical thinking, decision making, and transferable skills.

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Ana Gil

Account Manager | Project Manager
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This brings me back to my favorite topic: Storytelling. People learn and remember things easier if they connect somehow with the topic. The best way to achieve that is through storytelling, generating some sort of emotion or even just creating a character that feels familiar.

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Charity Bosch

Purposeful Learning Strategist | Helping organizations build learning that leads to change | Helping empower teachers to build wealth | 🐈⬛ Cat Lover | 🧜🏻♀️ Starbucks Addict | Fluent in Sarcasm
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Scenario-based assessments are most effective when you show the learners the results of incorrect choices. Show rather than tell. A consequence illustrated effectively will be more effective in long-term retention than “Wrong. Try again.” Providing safe environments for a learner to demonstrate their knowledge aids in long-term retention.

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Carlos Alfaro

COO and Co-Founder - Ninja Tropic
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Scenarios are great for retention. Is similar to how we learn the most important things in our life. Having a video or multimedia element before an activity and then having the experience of trying will make things even easier.

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5 Adaptive assessments

Adaptive assessments are assessments that adjust their difficulty and content according to learners' responses and performance. They are based on the idea that learning is more efficient and engaging when it is tailored to learners' individual needs and preferences, rather than one-size-fits-all. Adaptive assessments can use algorithms, artificial intelligence, or branching logic to create personalized and dynamic learning paths that match learners' level, pace, and goals. Adaptive assessments help learners optimize their learning outcomes, motivation, and satisfaction.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the best types of e-learning assessments to use for long-term retention?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Formative assessments

2 Spaced repetition

3 Retrieval practice

4 Scenario-based assessments

5 Adaptive assessments

6 Here’s what else to consider

E-Learning

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What are the best types of e-learning assessments to use for long-term retention?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Formative assessments

2 Spaced repetition

3 Retrieval practice

4 Scenario-based assessments

5 Adaptive assessments

6 Here’s what else to consider

E-Learning

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