Hi Shafi, Your assessment choices are excellent! Susan
Susan Polick
I do use all kinds of tests: visual, oral, MC, TF, short answers, definitations, critical questions with applications of the accounting models for the class.
Case analysis is being emphasised in the class particularly for MBA students.
Hi Jonathon, Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, when we use "Open Admissions" there is no question that we will get students who are lacking basic education skills. It is certainly a challenge! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
This is a tough one for us at our campus, our tests are already written for us, so we cannot add or eliminate any of the questions, however I use our lab time as a chance to test the students abilities by asking them to demonstrate their skills by showing proper testing procedures.
The effectiveness of the assessment begins when I determine what it is that I want to test. If I need to cover several reading chapters and discussion topics from the lecture I will generally select a multiple choice test. When I need to assess application of potential clinical skills I will create a laboratory practical exam. I prefer to complete these at least two weeks prior to the date of examination. This way I can review the questions after enough time has passed so that I can have an open perspective of what I am assessing. It also gives me time to correct or modify the content prior to printing.
The actual effectiveness is determined by the scores and the student commentary. I assess the number of high-missed questions and the number of high pass questions to determine whether the questions were too hard, too easy, or too ambiguous. I then make notations on the questions for future reference. I prefer to write my own tests as they express the content from the actual classroom experience.
Hi Brandon, Thanks for your post to the forum. The rationale for your assessment choices is quite appeopriate. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Many times durring a lab evaluation I have to use test formats that are both timely and appropiate.
Durring this questioning I often use True False or multi answer questions. However is a system needs to be explained by the student to show system knowlege essey answers are a must.
we have to evaluate the class and the topic that will be discuss in that way we can determinate the best effect of our test tools
I use study guides that are a similar version to the test. If I see that students are mastering the study guide but struggling with the test, I know they are relying too much on their book to find the answers, they don't actually know the information. On the other hand, having them do the study guide helps them review the information and prepare for the test. I also think having a variety of different questions helps quite a bit. A good mix of multiple choice, matching, and essay questions will let the teacher know if the information is really sinking in.
I like to use a combination of a least two to three testing formats - Matching,Multiple-Choice
True/False to give the student different kinds of test appropriate.
I tend to look at the grades of the overall class in order to assist me in making such a determination.
I try to look at the lessons objectives for the course when selecting the types of test. I like to combine at least three types of test into one,True/False, Matching and Multiple-Choice.
The type of test used heavily depends of what information an instructor wants to assess of his students. The type of test will speak to the abilities of students, whether it is a multiple choice test or a short answer test. How well students fair on the test will provide feedback to the instructor.
Vanessa,
This is a fantastic idea and demonstrates to the student that their learning is built over the entire course of their program. What an effective way for them to see that each course is a building block for the next.
I determine how effective the test format is by going over the tests (except the final) with my students in class. That's how I discover poorly worded questions.
Multiple choise questions can include a ton of material, making it easier to assess positive outcome of the lesson plans. This format also aids students who are less than stellar at essay type questions!
Hi Tim, I am glad that you found ED103 useful! Susan
Susan Polick
Hi Edward, Thanks for your post to the forum. It is indeed important to review our assessments regularly to determine their effectiveness. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Effectiveness of the test can be determined by the overall test results as well as the mean of the test results. I used multiple choice tests, due to the fact that I teach mainly clinical (hands on) classes and these types of tests are a great tool for assessing the knowledge aspect of the class. I like to utilize the standardized tests, but I will go over them with a "fine tooth comb" to make sure the test is appropriate for the class. Besides, publishers make mistakes too.
I normally use multiple choice, true/false and completion tests. After taking the ED103 course, I now know the strengths and weaknesses of each test type.
