I teach a course where the terminology is somewhat important, but not as essential as the overall concepts. Because of this, I lean more towards multiple choice.
I use short answer or fill in the blank on information that I feel a student needs to know specifically rather than simply by affiliation or with a reminder.
Everything from the time that I have to create the test to the time I have to administer the test. I also look at what my students are comfortable with and what type of learning modalities are being used in my classroom. Lastly, I consider what is the best "tool" to use to gain the most information from my students on what they know and don't know.
Hi Levi - Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree that it is really important to be able to change your assessment choices based on the different variables that you mention. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I like to use a variety of methods. Scans are shown so that visually they can identify an object, its period in history, its motifs, etc. I also use essay questions, but I find too many students cannot take the time to explain fully their answers. I have to highlight, underline, etc. to point out I want a full explanation of the material covered.
I use methods based on the overall feel of the class. (i.e. learning style) and tend to switch it up as skill level or classroom ability changes. Not to say I do not or never use standardized tests, but try to use what would be most effective in helping learn.
The criteria I use is based on the level of technical vs. subjective difficulty of the material as it relates to my impression of the level of student being taught (ie. new vs.experienced), making it as comprehensive and meaningful as possible by using both multiple choices and short essay questions.
It really depends on the course. Intro type courses that teach mostly terminology and basics are well suited to objective types, I like a mix of T/F and Mulltiple choice questions on the same test. More advanced courses are better for essay type or problems.
Selecting based on materials taught
Hi Lacey-Thanks for your post to the forum and a good explaination of how to choose assessments. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career! Susan
It depends for me on the class I am teaching, including the topic and the level of education. For instance in a writing class, a multiple choice test is not always the best choice, while in a Legal Terminology class one might work see.
More often I select my format based on the course content. I also base it on other deliverable that are required for the course unit. For example, if a particular unit had a detailed writing assignment I feel that it is appropriate to give a multiple choice and/or true false assessment. If I am planning a detailed essay exam, I would go lighter on written assignments for that unit. There needs to be a balance.
In terms of content, when I am teaching a course with heavy factual reading, it is good to give a multiple choice exam. If there is heavy discussion and application, an essay exam is appropriate.
Lacey Finley
Hi Jason - Thanks for your post to the forum! Yes, while knowledge of recipes and nutition etc. are importnat in the Culinary field, the bottom line is "How does it look, smell and taste?". Best wishes! Susan
With Culinary arts skills based is the most common due to the nature of our field. we get alot of students who can read and comprehend the material, and pass a written test, but cannot apply the information and cook. We put a stronger emphasis on skill assessment.
Hi Stephanie - Thanks for your post to the forum. You are doing a great job at tailoring your assessments to the learning objectives you have for your students. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Because our students will do a lot of analyzing and problem solving with clients. I use mostly multiple choice for basic knowledge, and short answer and essay for the other needs.
I base my test formats on the class that I am teaching. Usually for microbiology I want to test problem solving and use case studies in the exam in the form of essays.For nutrition I want them to apply what they have learned so I use skill application.
I use multiple choice on a regulare basis. At the end of a course I have practical exam allowing students to describe how they believe systems should perfor/operate.
Hi Tracy- Thanks for your post to the forum! I agree that it is important to help your students get comfortable with the actual format of the licensing/certification tests that they will eventually need to take. Best wishes - Susan
I look at the material but in the medical class I like to default to what the standardized test will be like. For us it will be multiple choice since that rewards those who use the process of ilimination...
HI Sabrina - Thanks for your post to the forum! You mention some important considerations to keep in mind when constructing tests. Thanks for sharing! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
