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Using Digital Assessment to Enhance Academic Research and Publishing: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction: The Dual Role of Faculty in Academia

For faculty members at academic institutions, balancing the demands of teaching with the rigorous expectations of research and publication is often a daunting task. Publishing in peer-reviewed journals is not only a milestone for career advancement but a critical requirement for securing and maintaining tenure. This phenomenon, often referred to as “publish or perish,” compels faculty to prioritize their publication records, sometimes at the expense of their teaching responsibilities.

A 2012 survey conducted by Elsevier revealed that 81% of 3,090 published academics agreed that their careers depended heavily on their history of publishing research articles in peer-reviewed journals. One respondent noted, “Articles in peer-reviewed journals are crucial for my career advancement, more so than teaching or service.”

Given the immense pressure to publish, faculty members can leverage their classroom environments as fertile grounds for research. By utilizing the right educational technology (ed-tech) and data-driven insights, educators can conduct valuable research that not only advances their careers but also enhances their teaching methods.

Integrating Research into the Classroom: A Strategic Approach

Incorporating research into daily teaching practices can be challenging, especially with time and resource constraints. However, as suggested by Driscoll and Aquilina in “Writing for Publication: A Practical Six-Step Approach,” educators can begin by writing about subjects they are already familiar with. This approach allows educators to overcome common barriers to publication, such as lack of time, resources, and confidence, by transforming everyday classroom experiences into research opportunities.

Digital assessment tools offer educators a powerful means to conduct research within the classroom setting. These tools enable the collection of rich assessment data, provide intuitive reporting and analytics, and allow for customized exam creation tailored to course needs. By leveraging these tools, educators can gain unique insights into student performance and instructional efficacy, laying the groundwork for impactful academic publications.

Case Studies: Leveraging Digital Assessment for Academic Research

Below are three examples of published research conducted by faculty members who have effectively used ExamSoft, a digital assessment platform, to support their academic research.

  1. Demonstrating the Efficacy of Two-Step Formative Assessment
    • Study Overview: The University of Michigan Medical School (UMMS) implemented a second-chance quizzing (SCQ) format using ExamSoft. This approach allowed students to take an initial quiz over the weekend, followed by an optional second quiz on Monday. The higher of the two scores contributed to the students’ cumulative grades.
    • Findings: Between August 2019 and October 2020, UMMS administered 24 SCQs across eight courses. Approximately 64% of students felt that SCQs enhanced their learning, and 87% reported improved mental wellness. The study concluded that SCQs promote both learning and well-being without compromising assessment rigor.
  2. Examining the Effects of Disabled Backward Navigation
    • Study Overview: This study explored the impact of disabling backward navigation on students’ performance in comprehensive calculation exams across several 500-level pharmacy courses. Students completed the exams with backward navigation disabled and provided feedback through an anonymous survey.
    • Findings: Initial test attempts with backward navigation disabled resulted in lower scores compared to previous exams. However, significant improvements were observed in retakes. The study found that 74% of students agreed that disabling backward navigation increased exam difficulty, providing valuable insights into test-taking behaviors and exam design.
  3. Observing the Impacts of Computer-Based Testing
    • Study Overview: Faculty at the University of the Pacific Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry examined students’ acceptance of ExamSoft and its impact on learning and exam performance after replacing paper-based exams with the digital platform.
    • Findings: Of the 251 students surveyed, 82% found ExamSoft to be an effective testing system, and 90% felt comfortable using the platform. Additionally, 85% agreed that the Strengths & Opportunities (S&O) Reports provided by ExamSoft were beneficial for their learning. These insights underscore the value of digital assessment tools in enhancing student learning experiences.

The Role of Digital Assessment Tools in Academic Research

Digital assessment platforms like ExamSoft empower faculty to conduct meaningful research by providing access to detailed, data-driven insights. These tools facilitate the evaluation of teaching methods, the observation of student performance trends, and the exploration of innovative approaches to education. By integrating these insights into academic publications, faculty can fulfill institutional requirements for career advancement while contributing to the broader academic community.

Conclusion: Transforming Classroom Insights into Academic Success

The integration of digital assessment tools into academic research offers a powerful avenue for educators to balance teaching responsibilities with the demands of publishing. By harnessing the potential of these tools, faculty can produce research that not only supports their professional growth but also enriches their students’ learning experiences.

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