Topic Tests for AQA AS and A Level Psychology

What do teachers say about this resource? (10397)

I think it is comprehensive and well planned out in the way that the tasks become progressively more difficult. The whole resource breaks down what could be very complex topics and makes them digestible for students. The confidence students would feel as they worked through these topic tests would likely improve their academic performance. I particularly like how each text is focused on a specific area. The fact that there is a well-explained answer key makes it very valuable for first-year teachers in helping them feel more confident about the responses. I think the way this is presented makes it very easy for students and teachers to see where areas of need might be. I could see myself using these as actual tests but also as discussion tasks at the start of a topic. They could be used as pre- and post-unit assessments. I like the fact there is a range of question types for students to familiarise themselves with.
It is not at all overwhelming in the way it is laid out and the number of questions per test. The questions really encourage critical thinking which is a struggle for many students, and it does so in such a way as to be manageable and step-by-step. The fact that students have to justify their answers cancels the possibility of them having a lucky guess, which I think is really important for their knowledge and confidence. It also allows everyone to see errors in thinking, even if the initial answer might be correct. I feel the questions could also be used as starters or plenaries so there are multiple ways to make use of it (pre-test, post-test, homework, starters, discussion etc). It’s a great time saver... I think teachers will really appreciate this well thought out resource.

I think these tests are extremely useful formative assessment materials that could be used effectively to measure student understanding. I thought there was effective range of spec coverage and some use of exam style questions to give students vital practice. I particularly liked the use of research examples that students needed to engage with to answer the questions. This allows them to practice the AO2 content of the exam that students find so tricky and is harder for teachers to provide adequate examples at times. This resource is extremely useful for regular formative assessment of the research methods topic, it is an area that students often find tricky and avoid practice, this allows for regular checks. The use of exam style questions gives students a good idea of what to expect and the mark scheme is accessible to them, allowing for greater understanding of the marking process. I feel that this resource is of a good standard and is a useful assessment tool. It has thorough coverage of the specification and allows for clear assessment of research methods skills. 

An excellent revision resource for students. It can be used as a test or for homework. Through different types of questions, it scaffolds which is helpful for students who struggle - it will give them the confidence to study further. Good links with content and specification. The document follows a logical order that research would follow from aims and hypotheses to data analysis. The resource asks students to justify answers which is excellent to determine student understanding. There is a variety of different activities – multiple choice/joining/tables/graphs etc. Excellent to include answers for teachers too – a real timesaver! Allows students to review knowledge in a non-threatening way. Providing answers in the match activities or multiple choice helps the students who struggle more with access to the content. This resource matches the AQA specification very well. Good section on Ethics and links to core principles!

What do teachers say about this resource? (10505)

A very good resource that incorporates the key elements of the unit of study. It is a useful tool for assessing student understanding as it identifies different levels of learning. From this, teachers can know what each student understands and can target those who need additional support. It is a good resource for students who may not be confident in the course content... It allows them to take risks with a true/false answer which could give them the confidence to move on to the justification answers. There are a variety of questioning methods (multiple choice, matching, extended answers). Mark scheme makes it easier for teachers to assess, or for students to self-assess or even peer-assess. It can be set as a test or for homework, or as a starter/plenary. It provides scaffolding and cues which will enhance student learning. This resource covers the basics of the course but also includes application questions that allow students to demonstrate full understanding (e.g., scenarios provided for the Learning Approach, Q8 & Q9).

The resource flowed well, and that it would be very clear to teachers and students alike how the author had structured it in order to enhance their work on this area of the specification. The guidance given to teachers regarding how to use the material is helpful. The fact that answers are provided does mean that this could be a useful additional (homework or cover lesson) resource – students could mark their own or another student’s work. There is opportunity for some very good differentiated class and homeworks. Very well-matched to the specification... I like the fact that the layout would make it very clear to students just how the resource matches what they need to know in order to succeed in their examination.

What do teachers say about this resource? (11091)

It offers a ready-made way to test relevant knowledge and cuts down on teacher preparation time. The variety of questions is helpful. These activities would not take up a lot of class time, and can be used multiple times to encourage faster recall for exam preparation. In this way, they could greatly contribute to students’ learning and ultimately their performance on the exam. It focuses on each area that students need to review and understand. The active recall nature of the materials means that the author is using research-backed methods to ensure students have the maximum chance of making this learning ‘stick’ so they can recall it more easily in an exam situation. As the questions mirror some of the exam formats, this will familiarise students with what they need to do in the actual exam.

I thought the resource was varied and interesting. The questions are well developed to suit the AQA examination mark schemes. There are some great questions that will require the students to think in a different way about the material. The level is appropriate for the specification and will challenge students of all levels. The specification is also well covered and the topic test incorporate research methods questions too which is really helpful. I particularly liked the variety of questions. I really liked the use of scenarios this is an area that students often struggle with. This resource provides vital exam style practice for a topic that students find notoriously difficult. The resources covers the specification well and allows students to assess their knowledge and skill effectively. The tests give a comprehensive formative assessment for each of the bullet points on the specification. Presentation and layout are clear and effective... The pictures enhance interest. This resource is extremely well matched to the specification and is well tailored for the needs of year 13 students. I think this resource has been produced to an excellent standard.

The papers are of high quality with the full range of specification topics covered. Appropriate for all teachers of Biopsychology as they can be easily divided into Year 1 and Year 2 topics or simply given as an assessment pack, if students are being taught all topics in one go. Mark schemes are of equal quality... students could use them to self-mark easily and teachers can use them to inform teaching. Learning is enhanced through recall, application, evaluation and consideration of research methods... this is great as research methods is assessed across all topics in the course.
[How would you use this resource?]
As an intervention resource for those below target, as part of a workbooklet for use in lessons, as a homework pack or as support for distance learning.

What do teachers say about this resource? (11224)

A really good range of questions will support students with their revision/consolidation of this topic. I liked the layout of the range of different types of questions and the mark scheme so that students are able to peer/self-assess. Clear and accessible.