I found the best assessment in my situation is to have multiple different ones for the same class. This not only has the affect of covering the different styles of learning , but it varies the routine of testing. I have found the best one to be class discussions , and having students answer each others questions. They usually have practical ways in their own approaches that are helpful in that other students can learn from each others experience. This helps in the actual tests as students can refer back to these discussions as they have put them into practice.
Despite having large classes..200+ i prefer essay exams. Sure, I include small answer, some matching, a few multiple choice and such but the bulk of the exam is responding so issues we have discussed and giving them a critical response.
I agree because it also prepares them for the work field when they leave school to persue a career.
I believe testing students with multiple formats can create better attention for examinee.
I typically use multiple choice partially because that is what their licensing exam format will be and partially because that is what the test banks are mostly made up of. I haven't found the T/F questions have been valuable in assessing whether they were just lucky or know the material. I am intrigued as to why the course suggested that, when testing terminology, you should put the term in the "stem" ie.question and have the answer choices be definitions. Certainly a lot harder and more time consuming to write the questions that way but what is the reasoning or does it just make it harder to guess.
I also utilize the standardized methods to make sure students get the required knowledge for success
Hi Jeremy, Thanks for your post to the forum. Do you have use "check-in" dates on your projects? By this I mean breaking up the project into step by step deliverables, spaced over the length of the course.
Susan Polick
With that kind of work what do you do with students that just don't put that much effort into the project? We have to have good numbers for our class room...
I review my standardarized tests and try to add or remove according to the level of student preparation and difficulty of exam
Hi Bethanne, You are using great strategies to prepare your students for what they will encounter in the future.
Susan Polick
Since I am out in the clinical field with my students, I like to use skill application tests. They have to prepare for licensure and skill application is how they will be tested. Many people (including myself) feel anxious about someone following them around grading their every move. I try to do this often so they get used to it and possibly wont feel quite as anxious when the licensure testing is done. I also like to use case studies, as this challenges them to critically think and prioritize. This is a good tool to get them thinking and doing more than giving a quick answer.
Multiple choice combined with some short answer seems to be a good balance for most of my courses.
We have quizzes and exams already prepared and use them for everyone taking the courses. These were prepared before I came and does not change.
Hi Issac, I really like that idea and I'm sure that your students enjoy participating!
Susan Polick
I like using skits for,example we were discussing physchological disorder and therapies so I I had the class break into group they had to diagnose their client and find a therapy the would use
Hi Meagan, I agree, especially in programs where skill level is most important. Susan
Susan Polick
I feel that mutliple choice testing works well. But I feel that when pracical application can be used it is the best testing method because it simulates real world experiences.
I prefer short answer over multiple choice. I teach medical/health and I strongly believe that in order to be well prepared to do your job in the field you must KNOW the answer - not pick from a choice. My problem is that the certification exams my students take are all written in multiple choice. Therefore, some of my colleagues feel it is best to test them in the same manner their certification is given in order not to throw them during their certification exam. So I comply mostly, but I do throw in short answer questions in order to judge the student's knowledge of the content.
I agree with you on the usage of effective assessment methods and hope to implament them in my own teaching experience.
Paper and Pencil Tests Multiple choice, short answer, essay, constructed response, written reports which assess students acquisition of knowledge and concepts.
Oral reports which require communication by the student that demonstrates scientific understanding
Performance tasks that require students to create or take an action related to a problem, issue, or scientific concept
