Identifying the Problem: Using Exam Software to Help Struggling Students Succeed

The idea of using an embedded-assessment platform to provide proof of student learning and help faculty with student remediation and curriculum revision is not a new one—so why are many law schools dragging their feet when it comes to implementing the technology? In the past academic year, the Vermont Law School has begun initiating an embedded-assessment strategy that will address the specific challenges faced by students, faculty, and administrators. By implementing multiple-choice exams within a computer-based testing platform, creating a question categorization structure that directly relates to the bar, and utilizing the real-time data collected automatically by this platform, students who need additional help can be identified earlier in the academic process and referred to our ASP, faculty members can gain a better understanding of what topics need additional coverage within their courses, and our institutions can track student learning longitudinally for accreditation purposes—all in one place. These areas, along with many additional “perks” of using testing technology to enhance the student and faculty experience, will be discussed.