Kulback-Leibler measure as a means of assessment learning process performance

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the approach developed by the authors to assess the current performance of students using the Kullback-Leibler information measure. The methods used are informational, statistical methods. They found their application to the analysis of event pedagogy. The key events under investigation in the article are the results of computerized testing. They can be considered as random events that are influenced by different circumstances and the events are difficult to control. The paper uses the well-known Kullback-Leibler information method. In order for an information method to become a working applied technology, it must be accompanied by a number of additional procedures and tasks related to 1) the preparation of data for the calculations, 2) the calculations themselves, taking into account the limitations and fulfilment of the applicability criteria of the method, and 3) possible techniques for analysing the results of the study. A description of these procedures can be found in the paper. The proposed method for evaluating student test scores takes into account expectations of student success based on prior academic achievement, as well as performance in the context of whole student group performance. In addition, the paper shows the consistency of the obtained results when comparing them with those obtained when using the Mann – Whitney method in pedagogy and psychology research in hypothesis testing. The scientific novelty of the work consists in building appropriate procedures with orientation on pedagogical applications. The presentation is based on the use of specific experimental data obtained as part of the current control after the study of a topic in physics. The practical significance of the work is seen in the possibility of applying the Kullback-Leibler measure to the study of the role of latent variables in the educational process, as well as in the course of experimental teaching by future candidates for degrees in pedagogy.