Mutiple choice test has pros and cons
In healthcare spelling is important because you have to spell information correcty some mutiple choice test has answer right there a student may be able to identify it but not still may not know how to spell it.
I tend not to use multiple choice questions because the guess factor is too high and it is a poor indicator of knowledge and higher thinking. I prefer questions that allow a student to expand their voice to the answer. Perhaps they can expand their answer with personal experiences or prior knowledge not given in class.
Hi Katherine, Thanks for your post to the forum. That vocabulary is really challenging! Your strategies are very impressive though! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I have had a similar concern with our Massage and Bodywork program (because there is also a lot of anatomical vocabulary for the students to pick up very quickly).
Beyond having the discussion with them - about the value of not just knowing these medical terms but also being able to put it in legible writing! and giving warning that points will be lost on the final exam for spelling errors or illegibility....
I have found that incorporating more repetition of the anatomy vocabulary through quizzes and in class activities (increasing their exposure to seeing and recognizing things spelled correctly) over the entire course, while emphasizing or underlining correct spelling, has helped to improve their retention and attention to the value of spelling. :) AND it has made me more aware of what I am writing on the board for them to copy!
Then, when we get to the fill in the blanks, and 'please provide a description' spots they have had lots of practice recalling accurate spelling and usage of their new vocabulary.
