I prefer a three part testing system, that incorporates a theory multiple choice- for definitions and classroom content. A short answer for the application of the method and a hands on practical application to verify that the student has the necessary skill set to perform the procedure that was taught.
It depends on the subject matter. If it is a hands on technique, obviously I want to see them perform the task. If it is a methodology that can be open to some interpretation, I like short answer or essay so I can read the student's viewpoints. If it is a subject matter that has a black or white answer, I prefer multiple choice.
With teaching Dental Hygiene, memorization is key to knowing anatomy, and critical thinking is vital to diagnosing so I use a variety of multiple choice, true and false, and use hands on learning.
Hi Mary, Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree - seeing the "light bulb" is one of the best moments in teaching! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I have to use skills application testing in my course. I love watching the students as that light bulb goes on during practice sessions, then when they apply those practice sessions to the skills application testing. Just when I think a student isn't getting the concept of the procedures, they surprise me when it comes to testing time.
In the courses I teach, I am not really as flexibale as most educators when it comes to selecting the criteria for class. However I am allowed to use a Standard Topical Outline book for qualification of the personnel that I teach.
In my program students are required to use their hands so i prefer to use kinesthetic testing.
Hi Michael, Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree that it important to consider our students when we are choosing assessments. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I use multiple forms. I incorporate Multiple choice, true false, completion, and short answer with every test, to test different areas, and on the final exam, I utilize essays as well.
I use a mix of tests throughout my course. Generally i will have some tests that are multiple chioice and true false, but i also use short answer and completion tests as well as a skills test. It really depends on the subject matter that i am testing on.
I teach theory for a vocational nursing program and use a variety of testing formats. My rational is that it enables me to be able to assess both whether of not the students are grasping what I am teaching as well as how well I am providing the information they need to comprehend and use to build their knowledge base and skills. I use multiple choice, true/false and completion questions in my tests.
I try to determine the skill level of the students and choose the testing format that will best serve the most students.
I use different formats within each test to give a variety of questions.
Being an Instructor at a Career College we are required to use Standardized tests. I make sure I cover the content as written in the text. I also review and scrutinize the test and make sure I have covered all the information that their being tested on.
We also use Standarized tests from Text for Skill Application(Lab check-offs) that simulates commonly accepted practices in our field and skills needed for securing professional licensure.
We also have students do term papers that make the students gather information, organize it, use case studies with supporting evidence.
I cannot select the types of test the we use, that is controlled by the curriculum dept. I do however submit changes to be approved for use in the course. This needs to be kept up, because the test can quickly become out of date, and not carry the relivence required.
We have a curriculum department that developes the test that are used, but I have hade questions changed so it better relates to the changes that have been made in the course. Sometimes the test gets over looked when the course is updatated, I like to keep up with current info, and pass it along to my classes. Most of our tests are multiple choice.
I prefer to use a combination of multiple choice, True & False and short essays. This way I can assess student learning both subjectively and objectively.
Hi Melissa, Thanks for your post to the forum. You are using a good mix of assessments. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I prefer to use the true and false because they aare very easy to prepare and easy to score.
I prefer to use a variety of testing formats. This allows me to test all levels from basic remembering of facts all the way up to synthesis and application of the material. It also caters to varied learning styles.
