Quizes and Exams...
Understanding your students competencies and backgrounds will allow you to change course towards a fair and accurate assessment of student comprehension.
Racheal,
Great idea. I used to know a professional proof reader for technical manuals who shared they commonly read the text backwards (and forwards) to check for potential errors. When an instructor writes their own test they know what they are wanting to assess, and therefore, they can be "blind" to typos, or errors in continutity. Another technique is to have a trusted associate read through the exam to determine if it all makes sense, both for content and grammatical accuracy.
Barry Westling
I try to take the test first on my own time after I create it. This way I can really concentrate on the information and making sure that the test correlates with information provided and objectives.
Jessica,
My approach to quizzes and tests is: how best can I measure learning. I try to keep it as simple as possible, while trying to achieve my goal. I try to add a bit of each; recall, application; and analysis.
Barry Westling
I think all instructors must thoroughly understand what they are going to use for testing. If you don't know what is on the test or competency you can't thoroughly explain things to the students.
Jamie,
I use a lot of quizzes. I shy away from pop quizzes because I don't want students to feel like there will be surprises in their learning. I say "you can expect a quiz every day, and most days, that happens. Also, quizzes can't be made up, so attendance in class is bolsters somewhat from this grading policy.
Barry Westling
I use many different methods of delivery and when I am done with a class room lecture or a lab demonstration I give pop quizzes. This keeps my students knowing they need to pay attention because they just never know what I will do. It also encourages them to attend class because they can't make it up. This gives them an idea of what will be on the test the following week and assess where their comprehension is.s
Ernesto,
I try to assess what I've taught. But during the instructional cycle, knowing something about students prior knowledge and maybe personal information helps create a more realistic and natural teaching environment, which helps keep classes more interesting and student centered.
Barry Westling
