Online formative tests linked to microlectures improving academic achievement.

Background: Online formative tests (OFTs) are powerful tools to direct student learning behavior, especially when enriched with specific feedback.

Aim: In the present study, we have investigated the effect of OFTs enriched with hyperlinks to microlectures on examination scores.

Methods: OFTs, available one week preceding each midterm and the final exams, could be used voluntarily.

Developing a classification tool based on Bloom's taxonomy to assess the cognitive level of short essay questions.

The cognitive level of short essay questions taken from assessments of two veterinary courses at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Utrecht University (FVMU) was evaluated using a simplified classification tool based on the taxonomy of Bloom. Classifications were made by teaching staff members (subject matter experts, or SME) and by faculty members not involved in teaching the course (non-subject matter experts, or NSME). To compare the cognitive level assigned by raters in the SME group to that assigned by the NSME group, each test item was assigned a modal taxonomic level.