Still using the base or core of the standardized test I have modified/extended all of my tests so they match with some high points that I feel are important. I really got a lot of this section. Thanks!
Hi Rosemary ,Thanks for your post to the forum. With skills assessment it is indeed vital to give immediate feedback and that increases retention of the skills/concepts.
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
To begin with the simple act of observation when skills are being performed as in my case in a clinical setting. When students are in doubt a reassurance and review on the subject matter helps the student as well as my assessment practices.
I assess my students with combination of multiple choice questions along with Matching, Fill in the space, True & fall questions .I believe testing students with multiple formats can create better attention for examinee.
I use case studies and simulations so the students can see how what they are learning actually applies in the real world. I find that the student’s get more excited about the learning process and ask more questions during class time so they can be better prepared for their next assessment.
I like to use a variety of assessments depending on the material I am covering. I usually include one essay question that requires the students to use critical thinking skills based on the knowledge they have learned.
Hi Billie Kay, Thanks for your post to the forum. Excellent assessments! Do you share the pre and post tests with your students? Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
In the past, I have done an hour or two of review activities the class period before an exam. I really enjoy this because the students get a good idea of what areas they need to focus on. I then tend to utilize a combination of multiple choice, true/false, and short essay questions on the exam
I use pretests at the beginning of every course and then a parallel posttest at the end of the course to see how much students have grown in their knowledge and understanding. I include a writing component and often a reading component to help me see any major challenges in those two areas that might impact the student's ability to read and communicate.
Since some of my classes are about a skill set, assignment points to the different elements of the final paper brings an understanding to the student to the importance of each element of the skill set. A basic test is not conducive to learning in this course so bringing the skill home and making it work and it making sense, is an unusual assessment but what we must have for this course. In another class, assessing the student's understanding of just one element is necessary to move on to the next one.
Hi Keith, It really depends on what discipline you are teaching. Usually for hands on programs like culinary, automotive, electrical or medical you would need to have an application/practical based assessment. With soething more concept oriented you could use a mix of multiple choice, true-false, short answer, and essay.
Susan Polick
what are some of the best methods?
Hi Sandy, I also use case studies quite often. Students enjoy the challenge of applying the concepts to real life situations and this really aids in retention of the information. Susan
Susan Polick
For some of my courses I have added case studies, to be sure that my students have a good understanding of the material covered and to help them use their critical thinking skills.
I like the short answer tests.It shows me if the student is really understanding the material.
Hi William, Thanks for your post to the forum. You are using a nice mix of assessments!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
I like to use a combination of T/F, multiple choice, matching, and completion. I often find that students will not study thoroughly enough when i offer a test without completion.
I use the standardized tests for my weekly "quick quizzes" and a combination of standardized and customized tests for my mid-term and finals.
Skills check off test in a lab setting works best for technology courses
I use mostly multiple choice with may be two or three t/f questions,but always base my labs and lectures on tests.
