Questions on tests
I am always having students wanting to argue about the content of the question on a quiz.of course its always a question the missed .
What is a proper way to address them when they feel the have been tricked .or feel more than one awnser is correct
Dan Butler
...or the question was not worded correctly. If the same test question leads a large number of students to the same incorrect answer, this may be the case.
I agree. I make a point to tell them where to find the information: powerpoints, texts, handouts, etc.
I point out where in thier notes or reading assignments or lecture where the material was covered. I tend to do this in class. Usually other students will chime in in support. If not I might evaluate the question and perhaps give points for partially correct answers.
I find this case a lot of the time were the student does not read the question in detail, I make note of those questions and during review I explain how important it is to read test in full detail.
I usually have the student look over the question again and I often find they have not read the question all the way through, even when I go this before the test. After that they make sure to read the question carefully.
I have to disagree. I have a class that I teach and I cover a question that is on the test at least two or three times a day for three days. I even tell them (the students) that nine out of twelve people will miss it and they usually do. However, if you know what is on the test, as an instructor, I like to make sure to cover all that information without "teaching" the test.
Hi Michael - it also may be a problem with the wording of the question etc.
I agree, if most students missed the same question then the area was not covered enough.
this is correct, if a lot of students missed the same question, maybe the instructor has over looked a area
Yes - it could be included in Orientation however for a more indepth version, incorporate a few mini session after class. Instructors identify students early on. This is usually conducted by the Student Services Dept.
That's a great idea LaWanda! It would be ideally included in an Orientation.
You are absolutely correct, one way to assist with test taking strategies is to offer a mini course prior to enrollment or concurrent. Most students never learned how to study.
Test are designed to evaluate the student on the material presented, so it is the instructors' responsiblity to ensure that the question on the test is in relationship with the material.This is why it is important for the instructor to always ask the student " is there any question " before continuing.
Explaining your thought process as you explain is excellent!
I tend to lean towards this option as well. Most of the time the student knows the correct answer, and is missing something in the question. If all of the info needed to answer the question is present in the question, it can hardly be a trick. I will have them read me the question, and will walk them through my thought process as I answer the question. I find they end up realizing the answer before I finish my explaination most of the time. The ones that genuinly do not get it, you can then explain deeper, or set up tutoring for.
You make some good points James. Sometimes the problem is that the tests are standardized and the instuctor has adapted the content of the course which results in a disconnect between the content and the assessments.
Is it alwayse the same question that the students want to argur over? If it is than maybe the wording of the question or the answer choices need to be looked at. Does the lecture and notes cover the question in enough detail for the student to make an informed decision? If the answer is no than maybe the course content ie powerpoint or student work book need updating.
this is a good way to handle this unless, several students missed the same question then it should be gone over with the whole class.
Please keep in mind that a good percentage of students have never achieved the reading comprehension level above that of a middle schooler.
