Diagnostic assessment of preparedness of level one sports science students for biomechanics modules

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the use of a diagnostic test to assess the prepardness of level one students for a sports biomechanics module. During their first week at university, a cohort of 108 students completed a diagnostic test at the end of their first lecture in sports biomechanics, with no prior notice. Upon completion of the 12-week module, the students sat the same diagnostic test, again with no prior notice. The results from the initial test were used to identify areas that required emphasis and additional resources during delivery of the module. The comparison of test results from the two sittings was used as a measure of the level of success of the module in increasing the level of student understanding. It is concluded that the design of a diagnostic test specific to a module can be used both to inform subsequent teaching and to assess success of teaching methods.