Get Your Students Hired
A few courses I teach don't have any formal exams. The students basically are taught how to use the software applications, have tons of hands-on learning in the class, then construct a midterm and final project of what was learned.
I used to give thousands of sheets of papers of handouts with keyboard commands and make them take a test but found it really didn't help them learn the application. Constant reinforcement in the class, asking questions, quizzing students on the fly, and getting excellent high quality projects out of them in the end I found was a good approach. After a year, the students may have forgotten many of the keyboard commands, but knew how to use the applications with ease. It is a matter of constant practice.
Does anyone not have formal exams in any of their classes?
Hi Nelky- Thanks for your post to the forum. You are doing a great job at using application assessment. This determines whether your students have attained the competencies they will need in their careers. Best wishes- Susan
Due that I do the clinical part of the class, I will ask the students 1-2 weeks prior to their last clinical day for them to do a full head to toe assessment of the patient that they have that day and why it is important for them to do this on a daily basis. During the 6-8 weeks of clinicals they are constantly asked R/T the medications the patients take and why. I also will play a game of Diagnosis, name the (possible) medication and why, this I start 3-4 weeks proir to their last day in clinicals.
I have neither a midterm or final exam, but students do have a final project. Part of their grade is based upon how well they can work with others on their team to accomplish the goals of the project. I'm sure this would not work in some subjects but for mine it works very well.
Hello David,
Yes, I too teach courses without exams. In my Interior Design drawing class, we focus on drawing and rendering. I have never felt the need to test them on drawing, when the assignments are designed to show their skills and knowledge of the tools.
I do however still give tests in my Illustrator class. I believe it is important for them to know the short cut keys, since they will be judged on that in the field. The test are all Completion test, and the majority of the class always does well.
Every instructor knows what is best for their class in terms of expectations. I think it is great that your method works so well for you.