I think a variety of testing formats should be used based on the content you are trying to have the students learn.
Will it meet and cover the material being assessed.
Does it give the student oportunities for more choice to reflect on
It is important for students entering the medical field to not only know material content, but also how to successfully apply that knowledge with skill, therefore I prefer to incorporate plenty of kinesthetics to testing.
I also agree with the hands on way of testing. It is important for students entering the medical field to not only know material content, but also how to successfully apply that knowledge with skill.
Since I teach math, I am interested in testing how well my students are able to solve problems. Therefore, I use almost exclusively skills-based tests - for example, solve for x: x+3=7.
I tell my students that I am not concerned about the method they use to get the correct answer - as long as they get the correct answer. Also, this is not about just the answer - it is the thinking process used to arrive at the correct answer. For developmental math, I am looking to correct any problems in the student's math processes.
I have found that multiple-choice questions are not necessarily good in math - students can work backwards to get the correct answer without being able to actually solve the problem directly.
The criteria that often ponder about when selecting test formats, are reliability, validity, fairness.
Hi Bruce, Thanks for your post to the forum. Your choices of assessment types seems very appropriate.
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I utilize a variety of formats including multiple choice, short answer and essay.
Selecting the appropriate testing format can be quite challenging since (for myself) a great deal have to do with the course content. For example, the testing format for business math or finance course will be quite different from that of a management course. Moreover, due to the age range of many of my students, I have found that no single method is effective in evaluating this diverse group of students. As a result, I found that using all the testing formats [multiple choice, true/false, multiple choice question, completion questions, short answer, and essay], depending on the course, has proven to be quite beneficial/successful. Do note that I have not used all of the above in one, but several different courses. For example I may use multiple choice and essay questions in management courses while using short answers, completion questions, and matching questions for finance courses.
We use a variety of formats throughout the program because the national exam will cover the same gamut of methods.
I do however prefer the hands-on practical application testing because it highlights for us very quickly where a student needs further assistance and skill refinement.
Also, in the long term, they will be performing hands-on techniques for the bulk of their careers and NOT writing papers or applying much of the textbook information beyond that licensing certification process.
I agree it does depend on what you teach, tests should be align with the content. I would not give a multiple choice test to a math class because I believe in showing your work when it comes to math. You can use a calculator to check your work, students need to now how to get from the problem to a correct answer
Selecting testing formats is important since certain testing formats may influence student performance. For instance the layout of a test that gives certain restrictions in making the student solve problems and write text within a certain box might deteriorate the performance of a student especially if not enough space is given for the student to write. Also multiple-choice and open responses test the student differently in how well the student know the material. Open responses require the student to think more and possibly even outside-the-box in order to apply what the student have learned. On the other hand, multiple-choice are more restrictive and test only the material and whether the student is able to recall or select from a list of choices what was learned. Testing formats should be mixed to amply test all aspects of a student's learning. Furthermore testing formats should not be restrictive and cause the student to perform poorly on the test based solely on the test format (such as limited space to answer questions, etc.).
I like using a test builder. It will create the content for you. This tool is always effective for the students because it completely covers what information has been covered.
I look at the material we are covering and try to select a testing format which allows me to evaluate my student's mastery and application of the subject matter.
Hi Robert, Thanks for your post to the forum. You are using a good mix of assessment formats! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Since at our school we are both a technical and practical skills course, we use both combination true/false - multiple choice and practical skills exams. For instance, in my class on Residential Electrical Wiring, I use true/false-multiple choice on the written Mid-Term and Final Exams. I also have a Practical Final Exam which is a Skill Application Test.
I use tests with different types of questions and also use practical exams for skills assessment.
The classes that I teach are not in the career path that my students will go into, but the material will help them. I try to design my exams and choose test formats to ensure that they can use what I have taught them in the future. I want them to apply the material that I teach in their future careers. There are some matching and true/false but I tend to rely mostly on short answer/essay because it allows my students to tell me what they learned and how they can use it in their lives and in their future careers.
My favorite format would be the Kinesthetic format. Dental Assisting is knowledge of the trade, but they need to know how to perform in the office. Assisting the dentist, lab work, sterilization. They are all hands on.
I agree. I think a range of testing formats is best. It's just like using a variety of teaching methods. A range is the best way to reach and assess students of various skill levels and learning styles.
