We use multiple choice and kinesthetic exams to measure the students ability to apply what they have learned.
We are a skills-based curriculum so we have to depend on skills assessment testing in order to measure the students abilities. We break down every skill so that each process is measured. It is a lengthy process for both students and instructors, but it actually becomes its own inherent rubric because the students read what is expected of them each step along the way. As they progress in their skills acquisition we remove the processes and assess according to satisfactory completion of the skill set. In essence it then becomes a competency rather than an assessment because we are testing mastery of the skill. Does this make sense?
As an English teacher, I use a variety of testing formats to ensure comprehension as well as real-world skill application. I give multiple-choice quizzes to assess basic understanding of the purpose and structure of different writing styles. I give journal assignments with pre-determined critical thinking questions. I also give researched essay assignments with topic choices that cover the career fields offered by our institution.
I like to use a variety of testing formats depending on the information I am testing. For example, I may ask the students to solve an equation and explain each step. When studing statistics, I may supply data and have each student present this data by constructing a graph and explaining the reason for the selection. At the end of a chapter, I prefer multiple choice. This testing format allows me to test a wide range of material.
I'm still a rather new instructor and have relied on the test banks provided by the textbook publisher. I do make sure the questions on the test are reflective of what was expected lerning i the course and taht we covered that material in class.
Much of my instruction in a technical field so typically I will use skill application. If a person needs to demonstrate mastery of a skill he/she will need to demonstrate the skill rather that write or talk about the task.
For weekly quizzing over the reading and chapters taught, I like the multiple choice format. However, in my Speech class, I grade actual speeches, which are more tactile, I suppose, and in English Composition, I require, in addition to the multiple choice covering the reading for the midterm and final exams, an additional essay question on some major aspect of writing. The True/False format is my least favorite, as students consistently find it confusing or at the least, way too easy! The completion tests are nice in English when I will take several answers as correct and we grade them in class.
I prefer using both written and practical exams for in the field I teach both are necessary.
For a culinary career college skill application tests seem to be the dominant form of assessment. Short answer tests are also used to assess comprehension of the written/lecture course materials.
Hi Joseph, I also prefer to use a mix of formats in my assessments.
Susan Polick
I find that having a mixture of test formats works best. Much like the different learning styles of a student, each student have different test taking styles. By providing a varierty of test formats, it should help each student to succeed in passing the course.
Hi Annette, Thanks for your post to the forum. You are using a great mix of assessment formats! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I use different types of testing too..depending on the topic. This does allow for all students to have a fair chance. I use multiple choice, fill in the blank, true/false, and short answer.
Hi John, Thanks for your post to the forum. Using assessments that mirror Board exams is an excellent practice! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I use standardized testing as a means to prepare students for their board exams. The board exams are standardized and I want to give the students exams similar to what they will need to be prepared for when they graduate.
Hi Joslyn, Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree completely with your strategy to make sure your students are familiar with the Board exam. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Hi Rachel, Thanks for your post to the forum. That is an appropriate mix of assessments. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I try to use testing formats similar to the board examinations that the students will have to take upon graduation from the program. I hope this prepares them for the type of questions and the format they will see on their board examinations.
due to the fact that I instruct patient care technician students I use a lot of skill assessment test since they spend 2 hours a day in the lab. But I also used a lot of standardized multiple choice questions as well
I use all types except for the essay. Situations within the dental office that may require knowledge can be determined using short answer question. I also will use several types of questions in the same test...what is your opinion of this...should it be just one type per exam or mixed?
