Testing
I know that we have gone to many of the tests from testing banks, but I do believe that there are time that it is really nice to write your own tests to challange your students knowledge.
when possible, I try and write all my own tests
I test the students weekly with tests that I write. The courses I teach are very technical and require the student to memorize a lot of material. The initial test of the term are factual in nature and multilpe choice. After enough information has been gained, the student needs to apply the knowledge. The test now become more application based, case study type of exams. Can they apply the knowledge learned is the goal of the course because this is what is required for them to move into their chosen field.
I agree, writing your own test challenge the students in a way that test banks do not. You can write a question to specifically target a class.
Hi Jodi- - Thanks for your post to the forum. I think your choices of assessment are ideal. You are getting the best of the banks and also utilizing question that match exactly what you know you have taught. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I tend to start with the test bank and then add questions as appropriate. I find that using a test bank is helpful but I don't want to rely on them, especially when I go into more details on a particular topic than the pre-fab test assesses.
I, too, make all my own tests. They are based on the material we've covered in class, so they sometimes relate better to the material of the lessons than a generic test from a test bank would.
Hi Paul- Thanks for your post to the forum. So long as the class teaches to the required competencies, I agree that I would prefer tests created by the instructor. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Many test bank questions are multiple choice and students can play the odds. Good test takes can get high scores with low knowledge. A dangerous combination.
I prefer to test my students on what i teach them instead of teaching them from a test bank.
I have made my own tests to focus on areas that i would like the students to be proficient in sometimes the test bank covers a broad area which may be too much for what I need the students to concentrate on.
I will especially make my own test if by assessment the students are not being exposed to the information that you are wanting them to retain for specific area's of the course
