Self-paced, fixed-total-time laboratory examination structure as an alternative to the traditional bell-ringer format.¶
Design · All designs
Evidence · 4 claims (2 for, 2 mixed) · 9 studies (9 causal),q3· 0 of 9 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study
Description¶
This pattern is a laboratory examination design in which total test time is standardized but students progress through sequential specimen stations at their own discretion, with no bell chimes or other auditory aids. In the article's randomized crossover study, each examination consisted of 28 to 31 specimen stations with three evenly dispersed rest stations, each specimen station comprising two questions (A/B) primarily focused on identification of anatomical structures. Students progressed linearly without the option to revisit previously completed stations, and the exam set-up, questions, and overall time limit remained identical between pacing conditions.
Design Implications¶
Context¶
Requirements¶
- A fixed total exam time balanced with the bell-paced condition, and linear station progression without revisiting completed stations.
Constraints¶
- Open-text feedback showed 26 of 35 students criticized self-pacing, largely due to the added responsibility of self-timing and distractions from a backlogged queue of students during the exam.
Target Learners¶
- upper-year undergraduate anatomy students
Learning Goals¶
- assessing anatomical structure identification without compromising academic rigor
Claims¶
- Exam Performance Equivalent Bell Paced Self Paced Anatomy Lab [+M]
- Bell Pacing Exacerbates Reactive Test Anxiety [+M]
- Most students paradoxically prefer bell-pacing, a pacing structure that led to greater reactive test anxiety, independent of the pacing structure itself. [~M]
- Students identifying as women reported higher levels of reactive test anxiety than students identifying as men, even after controlling for assigned pacing condition. [~W]
Related Designs¶
Examples¶
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Key Sources¶
- Bentley DC, Sotto A, Lombardi P. Comparison of examination performance and test anxiety during bell‐paced and self‐paced gross anatomy laboratory examinations. Anat Sci Educ. 2026;19:732–742. https://doi.org/10.1002/ase.70215
Page metadata
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
type |
design |
id |
self-paced-fixed-time-lab-exam-structure |
title |
Self-paced, fixed-total-time laboratory examination structure as an alternative to the traditional bell-ringer format. |
description |
This pattern is a laboratory examination design in which total test time is standardized but students progress through sequential specimen stations at their own discretion, with no bell chimes or other auditory aids. |
status |
review |
generated |
by process:settle-candidates on 2026-11-04 |
trust |
unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content |
sources |
1 — bentley-dc-sotto-a-lombardi |
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