Using Test Generators to Save Time
Most of the math courses I teach have more than adequate test generators which I use to create my quizzes, chapter reviews and the chapter tests. I can even make the review assignment multiple choice and the exam a "show the work" test. The program follows one of the concepts explained in this module - leaving a space to the right of the problem to provide your answer, which makes grading the exam a lot easier.
One aspect of this test generator I started using this year was to make multiple versions of the same review/quiz/exam. They're the same type of question, but using different numbers. I have four versions I have created - one for each term. Once the new year rolls around, I have all the answer keys for the year, and don't have to worry if someone repeats the course, since the tests won't be the same.
Exam View test generator is an incredible tool, it doesn't only allow you to create tests from mulitple text books but also gives you the page where you can check the answer, this is very useful when students attempt to challenge a question because you can give them the exam the page to check the rigth answers. I also allows you to include images on your tests wich is awesome for medical classes.
Tiffany, I like them too. Sometimes it's easier to evaluate than to produce. If that describes you, test generators work perfectly.
Dr. Melissa Read
I really like the test generators. ALthough I do have to go through many questions to choose which ones I like to put on the test.
When I learned about test generators, I was so relieved. It took so much time to create quizzes & test. A whole new world opened up for me because it organized the material, gave me the opiton to add the material rationale, and provided an answer sheet. Correcting any test can be time consuming and this defiantly was a time saver.
Composing examinations using a test generator program is new to me. I want to engage it, and I see the inherent efficiency of doing so. My reluctance to engage pre-generated tests in recent years has stemmed from a long-held personal conviction that a test I design and customize will ultimately be tailored to my class, what I've taught, and what I've emphasized. A test bank cannot always achieve that nor create questions that "sound like me."
I agree that I have often created more work for myself by generating my own materials, and now, more than ever, I feel the particular burden of doing so. Out of necessity, I am willing to embrace the available test generation programs available to me, but I believe I will still design my own final exams for my courses and probably several quizzes throughout my courses, so the students are familiar with my test rigor and the langugae associated with my testing format.
Scott, Thanks for sharing your perspective. Yes, test generators only work for some instructors. Others teach unique disciplines, or unique students that need customized questions. It's important to know your subject and audience when determining whether or not to use these kinds of tools.
Dr. Melissa Read
I am not a fan of test generators for all classes. I tend to word concepts differently than the gernerated questions as to how I presented material in class. Many times I like to challenge my students in a way that is more scenario based and many of the test generators I have tried in the past do not many questions available in that area.
Test generators are excellent for saving time and I love that you can create a matching review sheet with or without page reference information.
yes test generators are a time saver. I really enjoy them!
I agree with this. I was not aware of the website that you can make the test and have it graded too!! Something new for me to check out and save me time(once it is created)! I think it also helps students to feel better sometimes when you have a test automatically graded because they get feedback immediately and there are no questions on the answer unlesss then do not understand something.
I was not aware of these sites. I'm looking forward to using them on exams I've already written.
Unfortunately I am old school. More times than not, unless someone walks me through it, I experience challenges trying to learn how to get started with test generators. Sometimes it takes me more time than I can spare trying to get through all the technical difficulties I experience. I will agree the technology is valuable, especially when I have success!
Accrediation purposes are a great way to do checks and balances.
The technical college where I teach found new textbooks that were of very good quality, which produced some fear on my part. However, I have found that the teaching resources that have been provided have decreased my time in preparing tests and quizzes with the test generator that was provided for these texts. I really appreciate the use of them. As well, the test banks that are provided give me the option of choosing the questions that I can use to make the test. That enables me the freedom to choose those questions that I felt were important to demonstrate student achievement in meeting course objectives.
Not only do they save time but the test generators I use also identify the degree of difficulty for each question and for accreditation purposes, it will identify the objectives being met.
I think test generators are great because the one we use, will allow the students to go directly to the page. Alot of instructors find this to be a very helpful tool.
Philip, Sounds like you have developed a lot of methods that help you save time. The test generator sounds like a wonderful companion tool. Some instructors find that these tools help them significantly in performing their tasks each day. Once we figure out how they work and how to use them, they can become powerful.
Dr. Melissa Read
