Hi Susan,
my goal is always to measure a mix of factual learning and ability to apply theories and information to scenarios. I tend to use a combination of essay and multiple choice since this lends itself well to getting at both types of information. For larger classes I use multiple choice, but make sure to include scenario based questions so knowledge must be applied not just recognized.
Typically I use preset test banks and will go through and hand select the questions that are appropriate for what was taught. If there is some labeling or memorizaiton needed I may add in an extra page at the end to include the missing material.
Practical application. Can the student perform the actual task. All written tests can be memorized to some extent , but in our field you have to be competent in the process. Explaining and showing someone what to do is no substitute for having to perform the task yourself.
Hi Michael, 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 completion tests because it tells me how well they are retaining material like vocabulary versus how well they can guess or remember the correct answer only when it is in front of them.
I like to hand out a test with all the areas and asses what the students did well on and adjust accordingly.
I use T and F to activate their thinking, then i build harder question for multiple choice and completion. I teach culinary skills so I also include practical info for essay style questions
I will use a combination of different tests. We have to evaluate their skills and theory.
I believe it's based on the content area I'm teaching, and most importantly, the objectives of the course. If it's a skill- based course, obviously skill-based exams would be the main type of assessment.
I prefer essay and short answer tests because I feel that it gives me the best idea of my students' understanding; however, they are much more time consuming to grade than other exams.
Hi James, That is a good rationale for effective assessment! Best wishes for continuing success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Testing formats are typically determined based upon the course objectives and the outcomes of the course. For those objectives that require knowledge of concepts I use multiple choice and a select few completion questions. For those objectives that are subject to hands on skills I use a practical skills test.
We have been using the multiple choice testing format for Spelling & Terminology, which can take a little longer but it give the students the chance to still study all the words, because they do not know whats on the test.
Hi Gloria, Thanks for your post to the forum. you are using a great mix of assessments! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I find that using a variety of formats works best for me and my students. My written tests are made up of a mixture of multiple choice, short answer, essay and true/false. I also have test that are practical so they can produce and show what they have learned.
It depends on the class content and how it can best be assessed. If I am covering a wide range of subjects or ideas, I tend to go multiple choice.
Hi Kari, Thanks for your post to the forum. Good reasoning for effective assessment choices! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
It really depends on the class. Some topics are more informational and memorizing. Other classes, especially those with labs need skills-based testing. I think that a variety of testing formats is best as often as possible.
I need to agree with you. Even though this type of assessment has a bad reputation, I still use it and I strongly believe it tests student knowledge on a specific topic well.
I use my own criteria based on the topic I teach. Most of the time, I administer M/C exams, complete questions, and critical thinking.
I will most likely vary my test formats to provide exposure to different formats. This will also give me the flexibility to choose my format based on the content I am evaluating.
