I believe that the best way to select testing formats is to assess the type of material that is being assessed. So material lends itself to one type of testing format more effectively. For example if you are wanting to assess a large breadth of material often multiple choice tests are most appropriate.
Knowing individual learning styles in the class room. Evaluating the class contend and the specfic objectives of the class. Designing objective tests using Bloom's Taxonamy
I perssonally use a mixed format. I like to have about 1/3 of the test multiple choice, 1/3 completion, and 1/3 short answer/essay. I think this gives me a great scope of how much information the student has learned and can apply.
There are many. Besides written tests, they have to demonstrate that they can apply their skills by doing the task. We test cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills to see how effective a job we have done and how much they are putting in practice what we teach them. Of course we must make sure they can successfully pass the written exam because the national registry is still given in a written format.
Hi Michael- Yes, the "multiple guess" method has saved slackers on many occasions! Short answer, although more difficult to grade, does provide really good assessments. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
It depends on the content. If I want to test their knowledge of facts or important vocabulary words, I will use short answer or true/false. For more complicated concepts, I may use matching or essays. However, I try to word the question so they are not just spitting back rote answers--I may put a medical concept in the format of a case so they have to THINK about how to apply what they know to reach an answer.
I do short answer much of the time as well. I've found multiple choice ends up being a tad too easy in an intro level class and gives slackers the illusion that their attendance and focus is not necessary.
Try to have a variety to help everyone, but still benefit the students that have worked harder.
The format of the test depends on the level of the class. If it is an introductory class, then mutiple choice questions are appropriate. For intermediate and graduate courses, I prefer short answer and essay format tests. My discipline is analytical, and it's important that students learn to be problem solvers.
Hi Colleen- Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree, choosing multiple types of assessments is the best way to accomodate diverse learning styles. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I like to use several testing formats in each exam. I think it gives students a greater chance of success because some will do well with questions in one format, while others will do well with another. I think using more than one type gives every student a chance to do well.
Hi Kimberly- Thanks for your post to the forum. You are using a very a great combination of assessments! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I have found that if I use all types of formats in my test that I really find out if they know their stuff. I use fill in the blank,essays,matching,true and false and matching in all of my tests--it helps me evaluate if they really know the material
Hi Regina- Thanks for your post to the forum. Coding is a large program at my campus and I agree, they need to show that they can apply what they've learned. Either they can code or they can't. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I have used all the different methods but skill application is used mostly as I teach coding and need to know that my students are ready to code when they leave
Students ability, level of learning needed for the information.
Hi Marie- Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, as we plan our lessons it is essential to consider the learning styles of our students and adjust our delivery accordingly. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I agree. Knowing the learning styles of the students really does facilitate curriculum development. It is really important to attempt to hit all types of learners, not only in the teaching phase, but the assessment phase as well. After all, we really need to strive for THE VERY BEST for every student, every time!
This is true. we have multiple choice tech A and Tech B questions on our tests. These can allow the students to test well but be totally lost on what to do in lab. This is were an instructor has to be sure the students are getting a good understanding of what the test questions are asking and why.
In my classes the test are already made. I do have the oppertunity to make changes to better suite the real-world application of the info being tested.
