Proposal Title
Perspectives and effects of crib sheets on anxiety and learning strategies
Session Type
Poster
Room
Thames Hall Atrium
Start Date
13-7-2023 4:30 PM
End Date
13-7-2023 6:00 PM
Keywords
Crib Sheet, Pedagogy, Anxiety, Study Strategies, Self-Reflection, Instructor Perspective
Primary Threads
Evaluation of Learning
Abstract
Increased levels of student anxiety were observed following the transition from open-book assessments during COVID-19 lockdowns, back to in-person proctored examinations. The incorporation of crib sheets (“cheat sheets”) as a resource during closed-book exams was proposed to assist with student learning and reduce anxiety. Although the use of crib sheets is not a novel concept, understanding its relevance as a pedogeological technique is of great importance to students and instructors who have come through the educational system in a tumultuous time. Our study is focused on investigating the positive and potential negative effects of crib sheets on anxiety levels and learning strategies from student and instructor perspectives; this research is pertinent to informing teaching and learning practices regarding crib sheets. Student post-exam reflections and semi-structured interviews with the instructors were analyzed for qualitative data. Additionally, quantitative data was collected from 7-point Likert Scale questions, crib card organization scoring, and exam performance. Preliminary data demonstrates a decrease in reported test-taking anxiety and an increased implementation of different learning strategies. Through this mixed methods design, data analysis will identify themes in the diverse outlooks and effects of crib sheets and investigate correlations between crib sheet organizational strategies and learning outcomes. The findings will contribute to the body of research that guides teaching and learning applications of crib sheets in higher education. This research was approved by our institutional research ethics board.
Elements of Engagement
In addition to the poster, the presenter will provide deidentified crib sheets created and used by previous students enrolled in the courses of interest. Audience members can interact with the example crib sheets to stimulate discussion on the implementation, organizational scoring, and perspectives on crib sheets. For a personal touch, the audience will also have access to view a copy of a crib sheet created by the presenter. This crib sheet was created by the presenter for one of their undergraduate exams and demonstrates the diversity of guidelines and practices regarding the use of crib sheets. These elements of engagement can be accessed in person with the original physical copies, or virtually by following the QR code on the poster.
Perspectives and effects of crib sheets on anxiety and learning strategies
Thames Hall Atrium
Increased levels of student anxiety were observed following the transition from open-book assessments during COVID-19 lockdowns, back to in-person proctored examinations. The incorporation of crib sheets (“cheat sheets”) as a resource during closed-book exams was proposed to assist with student learning and reduce anxiety. Although the use of crib sheets is not a novel concept, understanding its relevance as a pedogeological technique is of great importance to students and instructors who have come through the educational system in a tumultuous time. Our study is focused on investigating the positive and potential negative effects of crib sheets on anxiety levels and learning strategies from student and instructor perspectives; this research is pertinent to informing teaching and learning practices regarding crib sheets. Student post-exam reflections and semi-structured interviews with the instructors were analyzed for qualitative data. Additionally, quantitative data was collected from 7-point Likert Scale questions, crib card organization scoring, and exam performance. Preliminary data demonstrates a decrease in reported test-taking anxiety and an increased implementation of different learning strategies. Through this mixed methods design, data analysis will identify themes in the diverse outlooks and effects of crib sheets and investigate correlations between crib sheet organizational strategies and learning outcomes. The findings will contribute to the body of research that guides teaching and learning applications of crib sheets in higher education. This research was approved by our institutional research ethics board.