I already try to streamline assignments, tests and essays as much as possible. This module has helped me to see why doing this is a good idea and very important. I really like the idea of using certain words to open an essay question which then guides the students to address those prompts and then when grading I can just look for those prompts. That seems like a great time saving method. So, thank you.
My school has all of this pre-programmed, so I use Rubrics for the essays to make it easier to grade them.
I try to avoid any type of essay questions on exams. Although, in my school, the curriculum department has strict control of all testing materials and our current tests have some essay questions. When assembling homework assignments, one should always make sure they are clearly defined and are easily graded. A formatted sheet, which has specific goals for the student to accomplish would seem to be the most efficient.
Currently I use Computerized test banks and Scantrons almost exclusively. However, for homework and quizzes I prefer short answer essay questions with the answers placed on the right side of the test paper or on a separate answer. I find this works very well for me, regarding ease of grading and conservation of time.
I use a combination of Engrade online quizzes, which are multiple choice, and essay exams. Engrade gives me a lot of time (once they are created) but the essay exams lets me look at the critical thinking abilities of the students.
We are increasingly striving to have quick and accurate ways of grading papers. We (last year) had add a scantron to assist with grading Test and Quizes and it has helped with quicker process of grading tests.
I feel that intergrating computers and other technology to help with getting things done quicker and more accurately.
I will be making more multiple choice exams. Some questions will still be short answer/essay type, but I can reduce the number of those. I also think hands-on exams are great because I make print a grading rubric for each student and use them as the students perform the manipulation. It's very easy for me to calculate their grade using this method.
Paul, It sounds like you have a great system in place. It might make sense for you to just go with it if that's the case. Every once in a while, it's important to evaluate even the best system. Based on what you describe, you probably won't have to fine tune that much.
Dr. Melissa Read
I won't change much, I currently use student graded, scantron type, and multiformat exams. I will however look to tune those up to enhance the environment of learning.
I do not have the privilege of formatting my exams.
They are standardized by the school. However, I have some leeway in homework assignments, and I try to make them either objective, or easy to grade in class. The students seem to learn more if they are included in the grading process(i.e. exchanging papers and grading in class). I plan to do more of that in the future.
I am fortunate that the school I work at has all of the exams in the course standardized and all of the tests scanned and electronically entered into an electronic grade book. This allows me to easily evaluate student progress and to give progress reports by hitting a button on the keyboard. In addition, we do not give any outside the class assignments. All projects are completed in school during class time. This affords me the most preparation time and great time management.
Michelle, That sounds like a great approach. I'm curious to hear your thoughts on how this has impacted the rigor of your exams. Do you find that you need to throw in a few essay questions to more deeply test knowledge?
Dr. Melissa Read
Saving time is very important. I will explore any method(s) to help save time and efficiently help in the grading process will be beneficial in my future teaching format in giving exams and assignments.
I am very fortunate that at my school we have a program that we use for all the cosmetology students. It includes ways/methods/ideas for instructors to make tests, quizzes, and homework, using both online methods and textbook methods. It allows the students to be engaged in the learning process and all of the instructors a variety of ways to introduce material.
I have incorporated many of the ideas already listed, such as scantrons, short-answer questions, multiple choice questions, etc. However, I will now start using test maker websites to reduce the amount of time it takes me to create new exams.
Timothy, Excellent to hear. Sounds like you've spent a few years refining your methods. Sometimes all we need is validation of our direction to keep moving toward productive outcomes. If it's not broken, no need to fix!
Dr. Melissa Read
Although I don't give a lot of essay exams, I really like the idea of underlining or highlighting the important concepts. It would only take each student a couple minutes to complete and save me time reading and grading their work.
Selecting multiple choice questions usually works faster and easiest for grading, but short-answer questions challenges the students' level of understanding. I will develop an answer key with highlighted key words for easy grading.
I have been teaching for 10 years. It's amazing how many "tricks of the trade" I have picked up over time. This module has supported the format that I developed for exams and homework assignments, I appreciate that.
I have made the quizzes and exams multiple choice. The students turn in all of the homework from the previous week on Mondays. I did it this way so that I do not spend a lot of time grading assignments.
