Slide Background
Dynamic Testing & Learning potential
Focus on cognitive potential

Prof.dr.Wilma C.M. Resing
Unit Developmental and Educational Psychology
Institute of Psychology. Leiden University

Project Practical Application of Dynamic Testing

Reseachers: Prof. dr. Wilma Resing and others

dt-praktischIn co-operation with the Haags Centrum voor Onderwijsbegeleiding (HCO) the Dynamic Testing Lab is conducting a study into Dynamic Testing with the AnimaLogica (developed in the lab by Resing & Stevenson), a test that measures analogical reasoning. Analogical reasoning skills are seen as essential for learning in schools, and play a key role in measuring intelligence. Therefore, they are highly suitable for providing a general estimation of children’s learning potential.

The study aims to investigate the added value of dynamic testing compared with one-time only testing. Achievements of primary school students are compared, while half of the children are tested statically, and the other half dynamically. Every child received a pretest, two training sessions and a posttest. During the training sessions children receive structured help in order to solve the task correctly. Step by step hints are given when needed, gradually progressing from general to specific hints, and the solution are demonstrated and explained when needed. The children in the static condition are only given the pretest and posttest, and are asked to solve a different task between these two sessions.

The aim of this study is to improve the estimation of the learning potential and reasoning ability. The potential (added) value of dynamic testing to educational practices is investigated: to what extent are the test measures predictive of later learning, and what need for instruction is observed amongst the children?

In addition, it is investigated how the test measures are related to the children’s school performance. In order to further investigate the practical value of this information, teachers and/or educational advisors are asked to what extent the static and/or dynamic test information could contribute to instruction and treatment plans. This method enables the studying of whether dynamic test results have the potential to provide any additional information in this field and other fields.

Follow-up research investigates whether dynamic test performance corresponds with teachers’ estimations of children’s learning potential, and teacher’s school performance evaluations. The data are used as part of the developments related to individual treatment plans and suitable education.

This study was conducted in co-operation with the HCO and dr. Claire Stevenson. 

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