quizzes vs final exam
I just completed a class where the quizzes were in short answer format and the final exam was in multiple choice. The students were accustomed to receiving partial credit on the quizzes and when the multiple choice final came around, the students were in an uproar. They disputed several questions in an attempt to get partial credit to receive a better score. They really didn't like the multiple choice format and blamed me for their poor performance. What are your reccomendations?
Hi Miguel:
Good variety. Quiizes measure daily/topic understanding; tests are comprehensive covering mutiple topics over a greater span of time.
Regards, Barry
I try to make the format of the quizzes reflective of the format of the final exam. I tend to include a variety of question-types to familiarize the students with the different ways a question can be asked/answered.
Hi Cynthia:
Quizzes should assess short term memory and daily progress.Finals are for long term memory and cover essential, need-to-know information.
Regards, Barry
Having quizzes ensures that the students are learning the content that they need in order to properly complete the course. Having quizzes throughout the term also prepares the students to properly complete and prepare for the final exam.
Hi Christine:
Assessment takes on many forms. Sometimes, terminology clouds definitions. I know teachers whose quizzes are like my tests. For me, a quiz assesses current knowledge and retention and allows the student to know approximately how they're doing in the class. Short and frequent. A test (final exam) is more comprehensive, demonstrating assessment of longt term memory information. Although, a final could be comprised of a series of questions altered or originated from daily quizes.
Regards, Barry
I agree. Quizzes should be short and random and not used as a punishment but as an assesment of understanding the material.
Hi Kassy:
I think there are benefits, pros and cons, and advantages/disadvantages to all of the various means to assess student learning. Regardless of the media, I suppose the base question to ask is how best to measure to what degree the students learned the required information and how close to the student learning outcomes were met.
Regards, Barry
In designing instruction I usually reserve MC and T/F tests for freshmen/sophomores. Upper level students should be assessed with written work and project related assignments.
Cynthia,
I agree with Barry that many problems can be avoided by providing information at the beginning of the course. A syllabus is a good place to document it.
As for testing formats, the best formats in my opinion are blended. There is a multiple choice section, a short answer section, and an essay section. While it is true that certain formats test better than others depending upon the comprehension level required, utilizing different testing formats may allow you to better evaluate the student. For example, a student who has a difficult time with composition skills, might not do well on an essay, but be more comfortable on a short answer test.
Just my thoughts.
Regards,
Christopher
Hi Mark:
When assessing recall, or when there is clearing only one right answer, multiple choice questions are ok. I would find it difficuot to grade assignments in a writing class using multiple choice. But there could be some basic facts that could be applicale.
I think quizzes should be short, frequent, and ramdom, enough for both teacher and student to get an idea if the student is basically "getting it" or not. The final or mid-term exams are more comprehensive and perhaps require assessing information that intended for long term memory.
Regards, Barry
I think a lot of instructors use multiple choice examinations because of the ease and convenience in grading. I think it really depends on the class and subject matter for which type of assessment is given. Some consideration should be given to consistency in testing throughout a course.
Hi Kevin:
The good part about short answer is it requires the student to provide information and in many cases, it gives the teacher the lattitude to determine how close to the answer they're looking come from the student. It can also be used as a post-test study sheet, if this is allowed. Multiple choice has it's advantages but provides less information about partial knowledge the student may posess. In some settings, the multiple choice test is really tyhe only best option.
Regards, Barry
I have never liked multple choice as an instructor much prefer to use short answer all thought student offten feel the other way
Hi Bruce:
I suppose there are advantages and disadvantages to all methods of assessments. I like short answer for recall information like lists or key words/concepts, used as a fill-in the blanks. Multiple choice works well and saves time. Yet, the question and answer selections have to be accurate, otherwise there can still be student disputes.
Regards, Barry
I try to keep all test the same format. You must make the test either mulitple choice or short answer. The short answer test set you up for a lot more desputes as everyone interputs the questions and answers differently which is understanably as we are all different in our thinking and approch to problem solving.
Thank you so much for these points.
Hi Cynthia:
First, I would recommend that the way tests and quizzes are to be given should be announced at the beginning of the course, and be in writing.
Next, I would provide a question or two in the multiple choice format (and grade it manually) on routine quizzes so the students get a feel for how these questions look, feel, and are delivered.
Finally, I would have someone look over the mutiple choice questions to be sure there is no ambiguity. Sometimes, the teacher can't see it, but a peer instructor can.
Hope these suggestions help some.
Regards, Barry
