This study shows that formative methods and increased student participation has a positive influence on
learning measured as grades. The study was conducted during the course Biology A in a Swedish Upper
Secondary School. The students constructed grade criteria and defined working methods and type of
examination within a given topic, Gene technology. The procedure resulted in variation within teaching
and examination carried out as an oral test in small groups. In the analysis, students’ grades on Gene
technology were analysed in comparison with grades on other topics within the course, and the results
show that mean grade is significantly higher on Gene technology. Based on the results and student
course evaluations, I discuss the reasons behind the good results and the relation to participation, student
interest, teacher and type of examination.

• Formative Assessment and Increased Student Involvement Increase Grades in an Upper Secondary School Biology Course

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