Many of my students have test anxiety and will completely freeze when it comes to an exam. What I like to due to review is to play "jepordey" and will split the class into teams. When we reach questions or info which is difficult to remember I help them come up with ways to remember - such as a song or rhyme
I feel that all students including myself are fearful of any tests including the ones we are doing in these modules. I started implementing the "The Practice Test" as a review without going into too much detail and i was surprised of the outcomes because many knew the answer to my question. I am beginning to like this concept.
I try to remove the fear factor of a quiz or test by giving a quiz or test on a subject that they have already had and mastered so as to show that the new subject to be tested on is just a compilation of ideas from an older subject. I then tie the new ideas to the old test and build through the course. This works well for my students and often times put them at ease by showing them that the new content is just old knowledge combined in new ways.
Denise, you are correct. As long as your statement is the focus of assessment development, the testing process can be a great boost to student confidence and student success.
James Jackson
By building a students confidence, making sure they were well acquainted with the material before the test, i.e. playing games, reviewing as a group, helps relieve the anxiety often associated with the word "test."
Students experience of fear when they lack confidence, feel a lack of trust. Students need to have mini tests to build confidence and develop trust in the test-taking process.
Mathias, peer grading is a great technique. I would further this approach by adding some other critical thinking skills into the curriculum that allows students to demonstrate their knowledge of the new vocabulary through role play, case study, or some other form of written or oral presentation. The focus here is repetition and follow-up to the actual assessment process.
James Jackson
Harrison, you bring forward some great techniques and I would recommend them to anyone. Just another food for thought type concept - Change the name from quiz/test to Preparation Awareness. The concept here is they are measuring what they need to further study. This keeps the focus on the more positive side of assessments.
James Jackson
Dennis, old fashion studying is one of the many learning styles in existence but please keep an open mind to the latest advancements in teaching and learning. Techniques such as simulations, gaming, case studies, and role play just to name a few are among some of the more proven methods of transferring knowledge to students. While some students can "study" others need to experience a concept before they fully understand.
James Jackson
Paula, depending on how students are able to pass/fail such a course, another technique that can be used is to introduce such assessments as learning activities and skill growth activities. A score of 45 out of 100 shows the student they have 55% more of the skills to master which is a good thing and it allows them to focus on the skills they have yet to acquire. Such language gets rid of the word "test" or "quiz" or "exam" which by themselves tend to make students more nervous.
James Jackson
Amanda, quizzes are a great tool to prepare students for larger more comprehensive assessments such as final exams. Another tool that is key is the follow-up time you allow for students to ask questions and go over missed items on the quizzes on a regular basis.
James Jackson
Thomas, study guides are a great tool and can go a long way to reduce text anxiety. Also looks like you have a good set of policies and procedures that allow you to follow your rules. Thanks so much for sharing.
James Jackson
Denise, as I read through your post the concept that came up in my mind is the value of simulations. There are any number of studies on this topic but in general simulations are a proven method of changing behavior and transferring knowledge. Great job in how you have established a true simulation model for reducing the typical stresses that are associated with assessments.
James Jackson
What a great idea. I can see how this really gets the students involved and can create a nice little edge of comnpetition. Thanks for the idea!
As an instructor of a short(9 month) French culinary program I often give the students the difficult french terminology quizzes as take home quizzes. I feel that it is not as important that they do well on the tests/quizzes as it is as important that they learn the terminology. After everyone has turned in the quiz, I will re-hand back the quizzes (but not to themselves) and we will grade and review the quizzes as a group.
Kelly, case studies are awesome and great tools to enhance your student learning. You can also incorporate various assignments where students bring in their own case studies and you assist them relating the lesson materials to their own case studies.
James Jackson
James, well stated and love the concept of "knowledge checks".
James Jackson
James, your statement is a correct one for many students but one size does not fit all. Keep an open mind and focus on learning different learning styles and different teaching styles and be ready to address a diverse group of learners. We are entering an age where diversity will widen and you will experience more and more variance in teaching and learning styles.
James Jackson
Even though I “run†my class like my students are my employees, (I’m the advanced practice instructor, the last our students see.) I never use the threat of a quiz and/or test to “motivateâ€. My class is difficult enough (Renal & Cardiac A & P, and prepping for the National Broads) without the sword of Damocles hanging there. I share with my students that “it’s just a testâ€, something they need to get though, and move on. I prep my student with Q & A sessions and study guides, so there is a lowered stress level at test time. I discipline my class in other ways. Attendance, speaking out of turn when in class while I’m lecturing, and USING CELLUAR PHONES in class are met with instant dismissal from class for the day, without credit.
Prior to my students preparing for exams, especially at the beginning of each semester,i give a brief lecture on test taking techniques which I incorporate critical thinking skills as well. I find that my students grades are a direct reflection of those critical thinking skills as well as "old fashion studying."
