Hi Tovia - Thanks for your post to the forum. I especially liked your suggestion of requiring students to explain how to make a "false" question "true" - certainly eliminates the guessing issue! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I look at the complexity of the information and the amount. If the information to be tested is complexed and of high quanity, then I usually go with multiple choice. If it is something that requires reasoning then I usually throw in essay questions. I do true/false questions,but if the statement is false I make them make the statement true, along with marking it false.
in our profession (nursing) it is definately skilled base as well as knowledge based
I thank all qyestions in a multiple choice should stand on thier own to avoid any question the same or 2 or more answers. Also should have a clue in the question for the correct answer.
Thank You
Susan,
When seleting the type of test that are used for evaluation; a test should be selected that reaches all the different learning styles witout abiguity.
This approach allows for the instructor to assess each student fairly.
Joe
Most of what I do is cert testing and so is unchangable by me, But i will often use some practical testing during the course to assess the level of understanding.. I will take items from both the presentation and demonstrations and spread them over some tables, numerically value a set of questions regarding the layout, and the student will be required to answer , say ten questions written, and orally account for the remaining material, by stating its name and its use or purpose, function. something that will let me know either he gets it or he didnt,
Choosing testing techniques that are based on what they are focusing on to learn
Hi Angel- I agree, it is always best to select an assessment that best fits the skill set that you are assessing. Best wishes- Susan
the knowledge of the material given
This mostly depends on the material and what I need to measure for their learning development. If I am teaching an Oral Comms. class, one part of the assessment my be for the students to get in front of the class and give a 2 minute speech. The second part may be multiple choice on terms/definitions of the material.
If I am teaching a database class, most of the testing will be a skills test (submit project or create a specific type of database) with some matching of database terms/definitions.
It is different in each course.
I use a variety of testing formats throughout the term, quizzes to start to keep students focused. These usually include multiple choice, T/F and short answer. I really like essay questions, however they take a lot of time to grade, so I limit those. I don't mind standardized tests, that come with the textbook because they are created by experts and save time so I don't have to "re-invent the wheel"
Hi Eric - Thanks for your post to the forum. I also prefer to mix-up assessment types for the reasons that you cite. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I also like to use many different testing formats. Not only do the different testing strategies address different aspects of learning (ex. memorization of facts in multiple choice, application of skills in skill tests, critical thinking and data analysis for essays) but certain students prefer different testing formats. With essays, students can explain their answers, which is an impossibility with multiple choice and true/false. Conversely, some students are not effective writers and multiple choice is a preferred venue. And analytically-attuned students often have difficulty with true/false.
Hi Andre- Thanks for your post to the forum. You gave us a very well written explaination of how you choose appropriate assessments. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
In order to fully assess the testing formats one needs to look at the overall objectives. In the case of memorization being important due to the student needing to know predefined facts, then it is appropriate to have a fill in the blank or multiple choice test. If you are looking for application of concepts then essay questions or short answer questions are the more appropriate. Of course, each of these tests are applicable to learning new concepts but it is a matter of where the student is at with the understanding of the assignment.
The selection of test format depends on the topic however I do find that short answers give me a better look into how the information is being preceived by the students.
Ours are multiple choice and works good.
When selecting a test format, I consider what I am testing. I look at if its an area that needs to be demonstrated, explained, or straight to the point. From there, I work to evaluate the best test possible. I also assess what went well after the exam in order to determine if I need to make modifications.
In my restaurant Guest Services class, due to the specific nature of the material involved I must use a variety of testing methods . I use Skill Assesement for Guest Service. Short anwers/essay for Nemu Knowledge. Matching and Multiple Choice for the istory and styles of service. Itry to constructmy exams to accurately reflect a students depth and breasth of knowlege.
A variety of formats seem to work well when the learning strengths vary from student to student
