A web‐based learning system for question‐posing and peer assessment

Abstract

A web‐based learning system has been developed to facilitate question‐posing, peer‐assessing, item‐viewing and drill‐and‐practice learning activities. In this paper, the pedagogical basis underlying the design and development of the system is explained in the light of information‐processing theory, social construction of knowledge theory and social modelling theory. A preliminary study to evaluate the instructional potential of the system has been conducted; this has also identified the factors that influence students’ use of the system. Results taken from questionnaires and open‐ended questions revealed that by enabling students to play various roles such as composers, critics and adapters, the system was perceived as a cognition‐enhancing and motivational learning tool by the participants. Data analysis further indicated that various factors worked together to influence the performance of question‐posing.

Acknowledgements

This project was funded by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of China (number 89‐H‐FA07‐1‐4–92‐H‐FA07‐1‐4). Thanks are extended to Chung‐Chi Hung for implementing and collecting data. Finally, the authors are grateful to the anonymous reviewers and the Editor (Philip Barker) for their constructive comments and assistance in revising and polishing the paper.