Pre- and post-testing in evaluating a CAL program

The aim of this paper is to examine how pre- and post-testing were used in the summative evaluation of the CALRAD (Computer-Assisted Learning for RADiation protection) program. Pre- and post-testing refers to the process whereby an assessment test is given before students use educational materials (pre-test) and after the students have used the materials (post-test). Any change in the students' performance can then be attributed to the use of the educational materials, in this case the CALRAD program. The results may provide information as to whether the program is educationally effective.