title: Theme-based tests: Teaching in context.
abstract: Theme-based tests provide an assessment tool that instructs as well by providing a single general context for a broad set of biochemical concepts. A single story line connects the questions on the tests and models applications of scientific principles and biochemical knowledge in an extended scenario. Theme-based tests are based on a set of interrelated journal articles or a fictional story derived from popular culture or local events that interweaves biochemical principles into a story line. Theme-based tests engage students during an exam and promote their creativity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and the School of Education, Indiana University South Bend, South Bend, Indiana 46634-7111. ganderso@iusb.edu.
authors.forename: Gretchen L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Marsha L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Heck