We have and continue to perform studies investigating how and when we should assess students to better prepare students for the animal science workforce. This includes variations in timing and type of assessment to improve knowledge retention, training of cognitive skills, and ability to use knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Collaborators: Dr. Kellie Enns (Ag Education)

Relevant Publications:

Stucke RM, Vautier AN, Enns KJ, and Cadaret CN. Developing critical thinking and professional skills in animal science students through case-based learning and cognitive interventions. Translational Animal Science. Accepted for publication December 2025.

Vautier AN, Enns KJ, and Cadaret CN. 2023. Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Student Performance and Perceptions of Learning. NACTA Journal. 67(1).

Cadaret, CN and Yates, DT. 2021. Homework questions designed to require higher-order cognitive skills in an undergraduate animal physiology course did not produce desirable difficulties, testing effects, or improvements in information retention. Journal of Animal Science. 99(9): skab246.

Cadaret CN & Yates DT. 2018. Retrieval practice in the form of online homework improved information retention more when spaced 5 days rather than 1 day after class in two physiology courses. Advances in Physiology Education. 42(2): 305-310.