Assessments
I like to give my students a lot of smaller tests/quizzes throughout the class instead of 2 or 3 larger tests that cover everything. I think they grasp the material better because they aren't trying to retain so much information.
Our "textbook" is the government web site and a 30 page booklet. I design either a test or a quiz each week. The quiz is open note. The project is 5 steps culminating in a presentation to the class. We also have "homework" and group assignments in class.
Holly,
I agree. Because of the perceived test anxiety, I generally diversify my course content, so that one test will not count for a "huge" percentage of the grade. Instead, I will have a project, collaborative assignment and two exams, that are similar in their weighting. This way, if a student does not perform well on a test, their application and understanding of course learning objectives can be assessed in the form of other activities.
Tremayne Simpson
I agree - the larger tests tend to make the students more anxious, especially the ones who do not like to take tests at all. They also focus too much on the written rather than the practical application of their skills in the classroom.
I give my students weekly quizzes over the material as well as a midterm and final. The smaller quizzes keeps them on their toes and helps them retain the information from the week. I then let them use the quizzes as reference materials on the midterm and final exams. This gives the students even further incentive to do well on the them.
Kimberlee,
In my experience, students will never be 100% satisfied. With that in mind, it is best to diversify the provided assessments (quizzes, exams, projects, etc.) in order to adhere to the varying learning styles and preferences.
Tremayne Simpson
We have instructors that do a quiz/test each week and instructors that have only a midterm and final with maybe one quiz in between. It is hard to say how the students feel about the two options. They complain about having tests each week, however, some of them are also at risk of still failing the course. So I am not sure the frequent tests always can benefit the grade.
I give my student small quizzes after each lecture session. My feedback from the student is, "That Really Help Us"
I to live to give multiple quizzes all comprehensive including material from the previous quizzes. Allows the student to build on the information provided throughout the course.
Sara,
I agree with this method. It also provides the student with multiple-grading opportunities, that can assist them with being successful in the course.
Tremayne Simpson
