Hi Linsey - Excellent work! Application/skills testing is so important in the field that you teach. As you mention, these are the sort of skills they will be required to use in the fiels. Best wishes -Susan
I teach in a career school where students are learning different computer and server operating systems, some programming and networking skills. I use multiple choice, true/false questions using a test bank from the authors. However, I try to make sure that most of the questions asked were discussed in class. I will occasionally ask questions not discussed as I tell the students they are responible for all the material in the chapter. This is a way I tried to keep them on their toes.
The other kind of test I use, and I try to use it as frequently as possible is the skills test. I give them some problems and ask them to perform the necessary steps. The problems are usually on procedures that they will need to know when they first get out into their chosen field. This gives them a chance to use what they have learned in class. It provides me with a good picture of their understanding of the theory and procedures. The other thing I try to do is emphasize that these are the kinds of tasks they will be doing on a regular basis at their jobs.
I also teach math and we use mostly multiple choice test also based on problems similar to the ones reviewed in class. We use testbank questions for convenience, but carefully choose the ones we want.
Hi Melanie - Thanks for your post to the forum. I must say that I am very impressed with your proactive approach with your students- you clearly go way above expectations to be sure that your students are learning. Great work! Best wishes for continued success in your teachibg career. Susan
I try to spend a few minutes with each of my students in order to get to know them a little better. I offer tutorial sessions weekly and get feedback from my students in regards to their progress and level of understanding of the lectured material. I also have a review session the morning after a quiz/exam where I go over the exams. I teach in a program that has the tests are already done. The tests are 99% multiple choice with an occassional true/false question. I really enjoyed this course and hopefully I can start utilizing some of the information that I learned.
Hi David - Thanks for your post to the forum. Just as students learn differently, they have different reactions to testing. You are giving them a chance to demonstrate what they know in a less intimidating manner. Best wishes- Susan
When assessing your students you need to take in account the differences of each indivdual student, some students are poor test takers so they would feel more comfortable with a multiple choice type test because it helps to rid of some of the test anxioty.
Hi Jason - Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree - Testing gives us a lot of information about our students but the personal observations that we make are so important! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
While testing is the most efficient way of determining the knowledge the student has aquired, it is also important to observe learners attitudes and actions as they move through the curriculum to asess where they may have a weak spot and how you can help them acheive success.
As a vocational nursing instructor it is important to use a variety of assessments. A multiple choice can be used to test theory, matching can be used to determine memorized learning such as medical terms definitions and skills application assessment can be used to put it all together. When different assessments are used, I can better determine that a student has actually learned and is able to apply the knowledge.
I teach an on line class and all assessment is through assignments. I would like to be able to give my students tests. I generally like true/false tests and multiple choice tests. I like these because of the content of the material I teach which contains a lot of legal terms. It is very important to know the correct terms which are sometimes called "buz words". I think true/false and multiple choice tests best in assessment of knowlege of terms used in my class.
Hi Joseph- Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree that in your discipline the bottom line is skills application. However, as you mention, we need to assess students' knowledge of concepts along the way. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I agree with using a variety of different types of assessments.
As the director of education and a Medical Assisitng Instructor, the practical or the application of the skill we are teaching I feel is the best method for evaluating students. But to get to that point you need other methods to see how your students are progressing.
The practical exam works best for me.
I am an instructor at a technical school. My students need to be tested on practical, to assess their skills and also written tests.
As a sewing teacher in Fashion Design, I always feel that projects are the best way I could assess my students' learning.
The most effective methods of student assessment for the dental hygiene program is skill application.
HI Mark - Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, if we come up with challenging and meaningful assignments, out students can really give us great work! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
The class I teach has both written and practical components to it. The students that typically dont fare well academically, favor the practical exams. I prefer to write tests that have a broad range of question types: T/F, multiple, matching, short answer, and essay.
