Red, yellow and green: What does it mean? How the progress test informs and supports student progress

Area of Science:

• Medical Education Research
• Student Assessment
• Formative Feedback

Background:

• Medical schools utilize progress tests (PTs) with traffic-light feedback (green, yellow, red).
• Limited research exists on student perceptions and utilization of this feedback.
• Effectiveness of formative PTs in supporting student progress requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the effectiveness of formative PTs in informing and supporting medical student progress.
• To assess student perceptions of PT feedback.
• To evaluate the predictive validity of PT categories.

Main Methods:

• Mixed methods study combining retrospective analysis of PT results and 11 semi-structured interviews.
• Quantitative analysis to establish predictive validity of PT categories (green, yellow, red).
• Qualitative analysis to explore student perceptions of PT feedback in a graduate entry medical program.

Main Results:

• Students consistently scoring green performed better in summative exams and achieved higher final degrees.
• Over half of interviewed students felt PT informed their progress.
• Most participants found current PT feedback insufficient for guiding ongoing learning.

Conclusions:

• Progress tests (PTs) are valuable predictive tools for medical student progress.
• The current traffic-light feedback system is not fully formative.
• Improvements are needed to enhance PT feedback's role in supporting student learning and progress.