Overcoming testing myths
Reading this section I could relate to many of the guidelines based on negative experiences from tests I have taken. I think that almost every guideline the text provided I have seen broken, and it contributes to many of the myths that students carry with them into any testing session. I have heard students bemoan the “trick” question, or look for a pattern in true/false answers. We as educators should never try to throw our students curve balls in tests or worse reinforce these concepts. We should be fair and consistent in testing, something the guides provided are a key to.
Hi Ron,
I completely agree with you 100%. I have a learning disability myself, and have a true understanding for how difficult and stressful testing can be for students. I really feel that there should not be "trick" questions, and really like short-answer, essay questions. I feel that it gives the opportunity to the student to explain the material they know, and how much they have learned. Testing should be fair, and guided also by the instructor.
I agree with Ron that some tests are tricky and unfair. I favor essay tests,which my students react to with groans. I tell them that many of the questions relate to their personal lives, where they are the experts. I then add that this is not an English class and that I am not looking for spelling or grammatical mistakes.
