A student does not have to answer a host of very easy and ultimately very difficult questions before an appropriate level of competence can be established. Consequently computer adaptive exams not only reduce frustration levels but also save a great deal of time. In addition, the results are computed immediately upon completion of the test which permits immediate advising. Advising When students take CAPE, they first fill out an advising form on which they give information about their language background. During the advising session, we take the placement score, previous experience and a student's confidence level and motivation into consideration when determining appropriate courses for a student.
Proper placement is extremely important.
Too high or too low a placement can lead to failure. If a student is placed too high, the student will not have enough of a foundation for material covered in the course. If a student is placed too low, the material will be so easy that the student will not have to study for the course. This can develop poor study habits that will carry over into the next course when the student will be confronted with new material. By that time the student may not realize how much work and time are necessary for success.