I like to use the standardized test method because I believe it measures how well the students reached the objectives of the course, and I also base my lecture and delivery of materials on the tests and quizes.
Hi Tom, I agree that skills assessment is the best choice for those classes. Either the student can use the product or they can't.
Susan Polick
I do the same. I use the test banks but will edit to the lecture and remove erroneous questions.
To measure skills gained in using a software product (ex: Excel), I use a skills approach. The learner is presented with a problem to create a spreadsheet following certain conditions that were taught in class. By the way, I'm a lousy creator of true/false tests! Ugh...I often times even confuse myself!
I agree with you Sonia. I usually make up my own tests but do refer back to the CD. On quizzes I also call on all of my students to help with the questions. Each one is assigned a page out of the chapter that we just learned and they are to write several questions, any type they want, and provide the answer without telling any of their classmates what the questions are. I will then pick one from each student and add those questions to my quizzes.
Hi Josette, Bravo! That is an excellent record of success! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
My program is Surgical Technology. Skills are a huge part of this program. Practical exams are vital. When these students do their externship at a local Level 1 trauma center it is not only the reputation of the school that is at stake but my personal reputation as I was formerly employed at the hospital OR for over 35 years. I don't intend to send a student there that is not prepared. In addition the student will have extensive testing with various styles of questions in paper quizzes and exams to further assess their preparation and to ready them to take the national certification exam that is a programatic requirement.
I used to write all my own questions but this is no longer feasible due to class load and additional expectations. The problem with using standard test banks is that they are largely unreliable, so I end up spending nearly the same amount of time checking answers.
Thankfully, I can report that since the certification exam requirement was initiated into the program there have only been a few students who did not pass the exam for which I am very proud.
I teach nursing clinical, so I use case studies as a means of getting the students to apply their knowledge from class or to draw from their experience clinic on a particular condition. Many times the students have surprised me with their responses...showing a higher level of critical thinking than I gave them credit for, and it does encourage stimulating discussions and story telling.
Hi Eric , Thanks for sharing some great examples of relevant assessments and questioning! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I have used a lot of the publishers text questions for quizzes to test the understanding of material before moving on to some type of performance assessment in application of skills taught. I have a picture of whether the student grasps the concept and can show application for higher level testing and observation. We are very hands-on in our program and this promotes the proper performance as well as logical problem solving. The questions asked are "Can you complete the task." and do you "Relate to the relevance of the task in the scope of your training." What the students are doing and why it is important. This works well for me in the span of alas term and gives good progress results.
I like general discussion. It is kind of "testing" students during lectures. Asking them questions to get a good sense of what they know.
Hi Damon, Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, whenever possible, I like to use short answer also. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I have found that short-essay questions are great assessment tools. Students are required to put learned information into their own words so it is unstructured. However, this can be a problem if the student's writing is unclear.
I use a short answer format with 6 weekly formative assessments. We take them in class then redistribute and grade them in class. The assessment becomes another learning tool and an additional content conversation starter. I find that in general this style has students absorbing more accessible and usable knowledge instead of the cram mentality for a multiple choice.
Hi Michelle, Thanks for your post to the forum. You are using a good mix of assessments to prepare your students for the Registry exams. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I use formal evaluations such as written tests, multiple choice, etc. My students are reqired to take registry exams upon program completion so this gets them prepared for that. I also use scanning evlautions to assess my student's learning. I have each student scan in front of me, and I assess them individially. Both methods give me a clear picture of their progress.
Hi Janice, I absolutely agree that using case studies is really effective. I use them often in my Critical Thinking and Leadership classes.
Susan Polick
Yes, I agree that the use of case studies can be very beneficial for determining if students can apply the information learned to realistic case scenarios especially in the field of health care.
Case scenarios provide opportunities for students to actively participate in learning. The instructor can use a case study format as a summative assessment technique that affords the student the opportunity to recall information and apply the knowledge to a case. The student can integrate prioritization and critical thinking skills into the analysis of the case study without harm to a real patient. Successfully case study analysis builds confidence in the ability of students to apply the knowledge they have learned in class to a real life setting.
HI Nicole, That is a very nice mix of assessments.
Susan Polick
I use a variety of assessment methods. Depending on the material, objective tests, projects, and presentations are some methods I have found to be effective.
