Providing formative feedback from a summative computer-aided assessment.

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of providing formative feedback for summative computer-aided assessment.

Methods: Two groups of first-year undergraduate life science students in pharmacy and neuroscience who were studying an e-learning package in a common pharmacology module were presented with a computer-based summative assessment. A sheet with individualized feedback derived from each of the 5 results sections of the assessment was provided to each student. Students were asked via a questionnaire to evaluate the form and method of feedback.

Results: The students were able to reflect on their performance and use the feedback provided to guide their future study or revision. There was no significant difference between the responses from pharmacy and neuroscience students. Students' responses on the questionnaire indicated a generally positive reaction to this form of feedback.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that additional formative assessment conveyed by this style and method would be appreciated and valued by students.