Hi Kevin, agree that often application assessment is required.
Susan Polick
Test content should be in synch with the objectives of the material that you are testting. It should reinforce the material that you are testing. For example, if I am testing for phlebotomy, I would make sure that I covered such things as order of the draw, the contents of each type of tube, and what is the significance of the colours of the caps. This is very important material, and the students are required to know it for their jobs.
I need to use the objectives of the course in order for it to be effective. I use my power points and change according to the objectives of the class.
Hi Diana, A good example of engaging students in their learning!
Susan Polick
One class that was so diverse in students and their abilities, that I was finding it challenging to create an appropriate test. I wanted the students to agree it was a fair final exam. Therefore, I was able to create a large standardized test for the class with more questions than needed and then together we narrowed the questions that would be on the exam. It was a win, win situation.
Test content should relate to your objectives. Depending on the content and what the student needs out of the course can change the type of testing you use.
Excellent point! One would think that with all of the various mechanisms available to us (and required of us) that this would be a non-issue. Syllabi, master course outlines, portals with events and activities that map back to the objectives...they're all there to keep things on track but I've seen a few instructors that somehow "don't get it" and do exactly what you just described. We should all strive to make sure we are properly covering the objectives that were so carefully (and purposefully) laid out up front.
testing should be according to what the objectives of the course are. Are you testing skill or lecture content
The test content selection should coincide with the material and objectives of the course itself. We have a syllabus that gives the layout of the course. You are not gonna test the students on irrelavent material. That would be like teaching basic algebra for a month and then handing a test out for reading comprehension.
We are CAAHEP approved and therefore must utilize test questions that have been approved. Due to this, we use standardized tests for classes.
I think its important to test the material that is covered in the text and lecture. If the material is not covered it should not be tested. Also, I dont agree with testing on questions that are truly out of the scope of the content of the course. If you have never expected a student to create a growth medium in a microbiology lab,or discuss the content of them, why would you ask questions on the content in the growth mediums on an exam?
The criteria for selecting test content should be based on the course content and what you are attempting to measure in the course. If you are measuring performance then that type of assessment should be utilized. If you are concerned with higher level thinking, essay questions would be the best option. For courses where factual content (anatmy and physiology) is critical, the test ccontent should be designed to measure just that.
The criteria should be: does the test content allow the student to demonstrate mastery of the skills and knowledge presented in the course.
I agree. I have also seen instructors who teach what they want then give a standardized test. This leaves the student to fend for themselves for the rest of the required material.
Teachiing the objectives should always be covered and tested on.
Testing content must be tied to the course objectives. Students need to be tested on the material that is key to the course.
First understanding what you are trying to test so you can have match test construction and then understanding what objectives you covered.
I like on-line quizzes- they show me very quickly who did not understand the material.
I agree. I like the idea of jotting down questions after class to help keep the questions aligned with what is being covered as well as the objectives for the course.
Hi Wendy, Thanks for your post to the forum. I definitely agree with your critique! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
