Test strategies
I believe that when giving adult learners a test, it should be question/answer type of test so they can use their own words to answer a question.
Thank you. Having taken the exam myself it helps to know what they should expect.
Georgiajo,
You are offering a variety of ways to demonstrate what has been learned through your testing strategies. Also, you are giving your students experience in taking different varieties of tests so they will be more comfortable when they take their certification exams. Good job of preparing them for such experiences.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I use this in my medical terminology classes because it is imperative that I know how much they have gained from the class. My other classes however are a mix of short answer and multiply choice, but mainly in part that they certification exam the students take at the end of their schooling is all multiple choice.
The format of tests should accommodate the different types of test takers in the class. Like you, I also make up tests with multiple choice and short answer. Once the tests are administered I then review the test and strategies for answering questions so that they can have confidence during tests regardless of the format.
I write my tests in the same fashion that they will see their certification exams. Mainly using multiple choice, matching and short answer.
I also include test taking strategies such as eliminating the incorrect answer and answering the questions you know first and going back for the ones that they were unsure of.
I have also had some positive feedback from the students in appreciation for not loosing the secondary points. It kept grades up, pointed up their error and what could have been lost pointwise and provided incentive to do better. They felt better about themselves and their performance and so far most have not made the same mistake a second time.
Edward,
This is a way to get the students to work through the successful completion of a series of problems. The key is to make sure you take them back to the original problem and get it drilled into their minds how to get the first problem correct so they can build on it the next time.
Gary
Many of the tests I administer are mathematical in nature. I will typically attach a formula sheet (contains what they need as well as a lot of useless formulas) to the test/quiz to help jog memories. In grading since the first answer is used in many of the follow on calculations, if it is incorrect and the student showed all his work for the remainder of the question which otherwise would have been correct had he not made the initial error I will give credit for those portions. Are these good practices?
Annamma,
The key is to use a test format that enables the students to demonstrate what they know rather than what they don't know. Looks like you have found such a format for your students.
Gary
