Get Your Students Hired
In my coding classes they need to read a diagnostic statement and then assign the appropriate codes. Using the coding guidelines is imperative for accuracy, so I reference them often and there are always at least 2 or 3 questions on the test that they have to go to the guidelins to answer.
Hi Chuck, Thanks for your post to the forum. I am really glad that you have gotten some good ideas from my class. Email me if you want more direction or feedback on how you are planning to revise your assessments. polick@pti.edu
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career! Susan
Susan Polick
I am an instructor in a trade school. As far back as I can remember, the school has used a multiple-choice format for the mid-term and final exams.
After completing ED-103, I feel the need to re-evaluate the testing methods at least in my classroom. I've often felt that I have students passing the course by "educated guess" rather than obtained knowledge.
I must say that I have enjoyed this course and felt more enthusiastic about taking my new found knowledge back to the classroom than in the previous five courses that I have taken.
I use the multiple choice format most often because that is how the standardized tests for licensure are structured. However, they have recently changed the format to multiple correct answers so we are having to edit our format of testing to comply with the new changes. These types of multiple choice tests really make the student reason because there will be more than one correct response and they have to choose the correct combination of answers. There is no longer room for "guessing" when you can narrow it down to two choices. The students really have to know their material!
Hi Scott, I really like the option of writing an essay! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Being the majority of my classes have a standardized test set on multiple choice questions, I use the set tests. The one option I give the students is to write in an essay type answer on the test if they feel it better explains their understanding of the material. I have found this allows them to use another tool to properly answer the question.
Skills competencies are an intrical part of my program. I have found that students do not like completion tests unless they are given a test bank. Their recall of vocabular seems to be lacking, therefore I pretty much stick to the multiple choice.
Yes, most of my students take an assessment before starting that gives me a rough idea where they are at. This is a fairly simple assessment, but the difference between knowing if a student can make an attachment to an email or if they are unable to even open email gives me a good idea of how to set up my delivery methods.
Thanks,
Doug
I am instructed to use only multiple choice items. Currently we are doing a statistical analysis of item validity. What do you do when you need to know that your students have mastered basic concepts and the statistical eval states that the basic questions are too easy? The solution was to write more difficult questions. Now my class grades are dismal and students are discouraged. I am completely discouraged at this point, too. I feel that there should be a mix of easier and more difficult items on every test. I am in the minority with that opinion.
Hi Doug, Thanks for your post to the forum. Do you do any skills testing at the start of your classes? Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Teaching computer related classes I find assessing students to be important, but also challenging. Most of my students consider themselves strong on the computer because they have mastered Facebook, yet have difficulty navigating any other website. Another example is they feel comfortable using Microsoft Word so they consider themselves strong with Microsoft Office even though they have never opened Excel.
I believe a hands on approach is great for testing their level. I try to assign basic tasks with very specific directions and see who can accomplish the task and follow my directions. Likely I would need a different approach for each class based on what the subject matter is.
I use many different types of tests questions. I use them all in the same tests even. So, I will have one section that is T/F, then the next multiple choice, and then also a section of short answer. This is just like using differnt learning styles. You can appeal to more students this way and each student will know that there will be at least one part of the test that they can feel confident in.
As a massage therapist instructor, i like to give tests in the multiple choice format because the national boards are given in this format...I feel that if they are used to taking tests in this format it gets them ready for the boards. However it is hands on that is the most important part of a massage, so fortunately i need to receive massages from my students to determine if the massages are getting better and more therapeutic for the clients.
Hi Rody, Thanks for your post to the forum. Great assessment choices! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
I feel that the most effective way to asses learning is to have a combination of multiple choices, fill in the blank questions as well as short answer questions.
I also like using an extra credit critical thinking question, which allows the student to apply what they are learning in a real life situation.
Hi Shawn, Thanks for your post to the forum. As a fellow Gen Ed instructor, I think that your assessment choices are appropriate. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
As a general education instructor, I find that a variety of methods are the best way to assess students' learning. For example, my quizzes contain multiple choice & short answer. My final exam is a take-home essay, and my mid-term is a group presentation.
Use multiple choice and true or false questions. I also use hands on labs to mark progress in the the course. I ask questions about the while it is in progress.
I like short answer. After one or two quizzes, I have the students break into small groups and create test questions. (They're generally tougher than I am!)