Based on the material I cover and the different testing techniques we have tried, I would have to say that our essay test is the most effective assessment of our student's learning.
I tend to use multiple choice and diagrams. These exams are for Anatomy and Physiology class.
tests using all methods of asking questions
Hi Aimee- Thanks for your post to the forum. i also like to use a mix of assessment types for the reasons that you cite. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I feel that it is important to incorporate many different question styles in each test in order to give the individual students a chance to prove their knowledge in their preferred style as well as giving the instructor a chance to evaluate the scope of knowledge retained.
I never use true/false or matching. I feel they are low level (knowledge only) since it is all memorization. I use multiple choice questions written at the application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation level.
Hi Daniel - Thanks for your post to the forum. Welcome to the world of Education! Students do love competitions. Pop quizzes can be useful also but I prefer regular short quizzes after each cahapter or module of instruction. Students know to expect them and so they make an effort to prepare. These quizzes can also then be used as reviews for longer mid-terms or final exams. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
As a new instructor I am still trying to determine the best method of assessing my student’s progress. At this time all of the testing materials are supplied. But I feel that if I can develop some of my own mid-course assessments, I will be able to determine how to adjust my presentation of the material to best serve my students. Some examples I am considering are team question and answer compattions, and pop quizzes.
I will say multiple choice, short answers, and T/F
Hi Diane- Your assessment strategy is very comprehensive - great work! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Sometimes the best way is an exit tickt right before break to see if they comprehend the information presented.
I use a number of types of questions on quizzes and exams, though mostly multiple choice and matching due to the nature of the course, but I also like give one or two essay questions so that I can evaluate the students' critical thinking skills. During lectures and class discussions, I like to use the Socratic method of questioning in order to assess students' comprehension, and at the same time it breaks the monotony of lecturing by keeping the students on their toes.
I prefer to use a variety of assessment methods, such as mulitple-choice, true/false, short answer, and essay.
Hi Carmella- Thanks for your post to the forum. The skill application that you require of your students is excellent! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Iuse different methods depending on the content I'm testing on. I've used multiple choice, T/F, matching, short answers and completion methods.
In the paralegal field I do believe that students need to apply what they learned so I have them prepare the actual documents to put it to practice.
I prefer multiple choice because you have the abiliy to do alot with the question. If you substitute a true and false format for the goals desired in multiple choice the true and false becomes too wordy and difficult.
Over the years, I have made use of many types of assessments: multiple choice, matching, completion, short answer, essay, and true/false. However, I have decided to ban true/false questions from my tests. It is very rare to find a set of true/false questions that are valid and reliable. (This is true on standardized testing as well.) As a former student of logic, I personally can always find an exception in every situation. True/False test questions are simply not an accurate nor fair assessment to give students. Any other method is better in my opinion.
Jennifer
Hi Camille- Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree that accomodating students with test anxiety, as long as the accomodation is fair, is desirable.
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I believe in using a variety of methods: multiple choice, essay and oral presentations. I really think more accommodation should be made for students who have difficulty with 'exam' situations (nervousness etc)when they could easily explain concepts if given the opportunity.
