Experimental validation of learning accomplishment

This paper reports on educational assessment: measures to validate that a subject has been learned. Outcomes described are from actual UCLA Computer Science courses, but the approach is independent of subject matter. There is a bibliography describing application of the methods presented here to other subjects and school levels. That bibliography summarizes an extensive literature including assessment in distance learning and elementary school situations. The text here outlines ideas and derivations, and the references enable deeper understanding, but a reader can use these procedures without either. The paper describes a way to apply them and to display students' learning. The paper contributes new ways to indicate student achievement and distinguish individuals with subject mastery from others tested. This is by figures shown here that enable teachers and students to understand and apply this form of testing. The measures use probability and are based on concepts of information. The method is generally applicable. It is related to earlier work on a computerized learning system called Plate that handled a wide variety of subjects at many educational levels. This paper describes ways to use an unconventional assessment approach to rapidly determine concepts not yet absorbed. New methods presented here are those the author developed in classes he taught. Ideas and tools in this paper could empower others to expand and enrich their teaching and the learning processes it is to assist.