Approaches to Placement

1. Placement based on SAT, ACT, or similar aptitude tests

   • Example: Park University
   • Advantage: Tests often required for admission
   • Drawback: SAT and ACT are aptitude tests

2. Placement tests

   • Example: University of Wisconsin system
   • Advantage: Numerous tests available commercially (e.g., MAA, SAT subject tests, AP)
   • Drawbacks: Some tests focus on precalculus, some on calculus;
     tests must be offered before enrolling;
     calibration needed with local courses

3. Placement by faculty

   • Example: Grinnell College prior to 1993
   • Advantage: Can tap faculty expertise
   • Drawbacks: Time consuming;
     variation possible from different faculty

4. Use of an expert system

   • Example: Grinnell College after 1993
   • Advantages: Meets objectives for incoming and prospective students
     allows follow-up refinements of rules, based on performance
   • Drawback: Needs non-trivial development time

created 20 October 2010 last revised 20 October 2010

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