Iterative student-based testing

Much laboratory teaching of information-handling involves students in evaluating information provided either online or via a computer package. A lecturer can help students carry out these tasks in a variety of ways. In particular, it is customary to provide students with hand-outs, and there is good evidence that such hand-outs are a valuable resource, especially for lower-ability students. The present paper discusses examples of this work to help suggest both the factors to be taken into account and the sorts of changes involved.