At the college I work at we use multiple choice, fill in the blank and essay questions. When I was a student I did not like true or false questions. They can be interrupted differently. I love the essay questions because it causes the students to use critical thinking.
Hi Karen, Thanks for your post to the forum. That is a very effective assessment strategy especially since you use in information you receive to tailor your instruction. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I choose testing format based largely upon the material that is being tested. Practical skills tests have the most relevance in our culinary program, however multi. choice and short answer tests are also helpful in gauging whether or not students are paying attention in lecture and completing homework assignments.
I use multiple choice format for exams because I can assess their knowledge over a broad range of information, and because their licensing exams are multiple choice so it is good practice.
For quizzes, I prefer short answer/short essay. The difficulty in being able to answer these questions correctly and thoroughly requires more understanding. If they are studying enough to write out answers over the course of the term, they should be able to answer the multiple choice at the end of the term (or at mid-term). I can also see holes in their understanding or identify miscommunication on my part when I see many students providing the same erroneous information on a short answer. Then I have the opportunity to correct or clarify.
I think a variety of testing is good. Multiple choice matching and an essay type question. I think this covers all the bases and challenges the students knowledge of the subject
I like to make my own test
When I am selecting a testing format I like to vary my question styles so I make sure to meet everyone's needs. Also, whenever I have a negetive multiple choice quistion I always hightlight the word "except" so the students see it.
Hi Gina, Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree that evaluating competency skills can be a very effective means of assessment. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I like to use multiple choice tests also, because it is widely used and has a wide range of objectives. My absolute most favorite of all is the skills application test ,which we call compentencies. I really can see how they have put everything I taught them together by their skills.
Too me it really depends on the level of information they need to relate to on the pyramid for Bloom's Taxonomy. Is it just memorization, or do they need a deeper understanding and need to show how to apply that knowledge.
We use multiple choice tests they do allow for some guessing but I still think they are the best for our school.
Multiple choice and True/False I feel are the best option to test with. Students seem to do better in my class rooms with these types of test rather then short answer or essay questions. I believe the students lose confidence and feel overwhelmed with short answer and essay form. True/False and multiple choice stick to the points they reviewed in their lectures/reading.
I try to stay with true or false, and multiple choice questions
I like to combine multiple choice questions along with essay questions. While the test takes longer to correct, it requires more variety of learning skills . I like the students to critically think
I teach in a program that require licensure exam for graduates to practice. This exam utilizes different formats (multiple choice, multiple response, and fill in) to determine issuance of license. So I have adopted using multiple formats in my classes to test the students. By so doing students will get used to the test formats for their licensing exam.
Hi Gina - Thanks for your post to the forum. I find that many instructors prefer Multiple Choice also. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I also create multiple-choice tests for math finals. I started giving my students the choice: Regular test where I can give points for correct work even if the answer is not correct OR multiple choice. They like the m-c option. Yes, it does allow me to grade quicker.
I tend to gravitate toward multiple choice questions because it gives me a better assessment of the students grasp of the knowledge. The students also seem to prefer this type of testing.
Hi Amy, Thanks for your post to the forum. I also prefer mixing formats in my assessments. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I select my format based on what I want the student to know. Multiple choice is my preferred format but I also like to use matching questions when I have a list of terms in a specific category (such as types of leaveners in baking). This encourages their critical thinking and lets me know how well they understand the differences.
