In my course I try to assess on muliple levels. I use short answer tests, multiple choice tests, pop quiz short essay, and practical assessments. All the various techniques ensures they are understanding the concepts and they have the ability to produce the product at the end.
In my field (fashion) it is how well they finish their assigned projects. If they do a good job, I know they have learned the skills they need and are ready to move on to the next step. I also give short multiple choice exams to make sure they know the industry terms.
Through tests and demonstrative clarity on projects pertaining to the subject being taught.
Short essays and "fill-in-the-blank" tests help the student to reinforce the new vocabulary of the course. They will become effective communicators if they can express themselves in the language of their new career.
I prefer short answer or essay examinations in order to examine a student's critical thinking abilities.
Hi Susan - Thanks for your post to the forum. You are using some great applications assessment. It also gives your students experience that will need as they move into their careers. Do you have them create portfolios of their work that they can bring to their job interviews or include with their resume in CD form? Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
In my fashion pattern drafting classes, I find that it is effective to have a student work on a project and then share the experience with the class. This usually generates a "Cool! That's how that works." kind of response. The student doing the project got to show off what they learned and the others were able to have input as well. From this discussion I can see who has a grasp of the knowledge and who does not.
HI Martin - Thanks for your post to the forum. As you mention, we need to be sure that our students can use what they have learned so that they can function in the workplace as well as demonstrating that they have learned the concepts. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Shlomo- Thanks for your post to the forum. I am also not a big fan of T/F and multiple choice but of course they do make grading much easier. Still. as you mention, short answer and essay give us a better picture of their comprehension.
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I think the answer to your question depends on what is being evaluated and the material being covered. I think hands on assessments and exams are both beneficial in assessing the knowledge of a student.
I hate T/F Multiple Choice tests. I'll use them sparingly and instead create short answer essay quizes in order to assess their understanding of the main concepts.
As an instructor at a Technical school, I agree, you need both written and practical exams to confirm the students are acquiring the facts as well as the skills needed.
Hi Penelope- Thanks for your post to the forum. Students do seem to be less intimidated by projects than tests. I make sure however, that I have "check-in points" to make sure that my students don't procratinate and become overwhelmed at the due date. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Practical projects because they are applying acquired skills and students feel that projects are less intimidating that takin tests.
HI Lola - Thanks for your post to the forum. Asking your students why they gave an answer also reinforces that concept in their mind and the minds of their classmates. They have to be able to explain the the way they processed the question and related it to what they have learned. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I deal with clinical situations in my classes so I find that having the students explain "why" they answer the way the do is helpful.
HI Nancy - Thanks for your post to the forum. Team projects are great for inspiring confidence. What sort of projects do you assign? Best wishes - Susan
I use tests with multiple choice and also give computer projects. This involves many learning styles and encourages teamwork. Students learn from one another giving them more confidence.
Hi Joseph- Especially in your discipline, observation is essential for the reasons you cite. As you mention, students may know the "How & Why" but unless they can DO it - they will not be successful. Best wishes- Susan
As an automotive instructor, I feel lab skills and OBSERVATION of the students during labs is the most effective method. Automotive diagnosis and repair is still a physical endevor, although critical thinking skills have displaced a lot of what used to be "hands-on" abilities. Most students can pass the written exams with a minimal amount of knowledge, but the real test of knowledge in this field is being able to combine so called "book knowledge" with the physical ability, and to a great extent patience, to not only properly diagnosed and repair a vehicle, but do so in a timely manner and not do any peripheral damage.
