This is such valuable information. I will use it to write quizzes to test my students comprehension of the subject matter, and this coupled with the pre written final tests, should help to increase my students knowledge retention, and grades.
I honestly don't have a whole lot of say in the testing format or material. But the system we do use works great. We use a fill in the blank or a completiion style test. It lets us know where the student is with the instruction they have received prior.
I make sure to include information that we have gone over in class, that the students are always aware of the expectation in class, and the questions that will be our main focus.
Hi Kimberly - Thanks for your post to the forum. Having your students use real-world scenarios demonstrates the relevancy of what they are learning -great work! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I teach computer applications, so like to mix up direct application and problem-solving skills with real-world problems, and then a little short answer to assess that they know the sequences of tasks.
The majority of the tests I use are Multiple Choice. Although, the tests also include about 25% True False questions. I cover a wide range of material and I can effectively ask questions that relate to specific techniques which students must know. I do include a Matching test as part of the assessment material to give the students a variety of testing formats.
I use multiple choice and short answers. I use both of these methods for myself it is a guide so I know if the students are understanding what is being taught as well as having a guide on what I need to change as far as the teaching material.
We use the skill format, since we are teaching/training students to be an MOA.
Based on what the instructor has learned or observed about the student the instructor has to choose the correct testing method.
Hi Andrea- Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree that you are right to expect that students understand formulas/procedures that they will be expected to be able to use in their careers. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I base it on the needs of the students as far as providing assesments that all my students can utilize. I also think it makes for a more interesting test if there are several types of questions offered. As a technical school instructor I do think that the students do need to explain formulas and procedures on each major test to double check that they are understanding the hands on and necessary though process that will give them success in the industry.
What are the criteria you use for selecting testing formats?
Some of the criteria I use include:
1. Type of course delivery mode - i.e., online or onground
2. Session length - 5 or 6 weeks; or 16-week semester
3. Student composition - adult learners, etc.
4. Type of course - business or technical
I use multiple choice, but I have used other types of exams, my students seem to do better with the multiple choice.
In my classes, I use the multiple choice questions and skills assessment in the clinical situation. True and False questions are sometimes misleading,also I use completion test for assessment of knowledge I have lectured in previous meetings with the class
Hi William - Thanks for your post to the forum. i agree that skill application testing is most likely the "bottom-line" in the culinary field. No matter how much the student may know about the interaction of yeast with flour and the significance of gluten content, if they can't bake a good loaf of bread, none of all that really matters! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
i use skill application testing and believe in the culinary field is one of the most useful formats to assess students progress.
I try to provide more than one testing format where it makes sense. Multiple choice is probably the format I use the most, but I'll try to fit in some essay or other methods depending on the class.
HI Stacie-Thanks for your post to the forum.n I agree that we need to vary our assesssmnets for the reasons that you cite. Bottom line is that we need to know what we are intending to assess and determine the best way to do that. Best wishes for continued in your teaching career. Susan
The criteria for testing formats should be based on the particular courses that are being instructed. The selection should be based on what the instructor feels is effective for that class, and for their students. This goes back to learning your students and what you feel is needed to get the students to the point of being able to analyze, and think critically on a higher level. Overall, it varies.
First of all you do listen to the students and findout what they are most prone to understand when dealing with test.
