I prefer kinesthetic exams due to the fact it is a direct indication of the students' ability to apply what they have assimilated and prove their expertise.
I base my testing format on the type of material covered; often I will mix formats and offer a test with some multiple-choice and some short answer, etc. Very often my students will have both a written and a practical exam.
Ive found students widely prefer multiple choice and true /false testing .
Hi Christa, That's good rationales for assessment choices.
Susan Polick
Unfortunately, I am almost forced to use test formats that mirror the PSSA, our state assesment. The stakes are so high, and our school is at a huge disadvantage because of acculturation issues vs. test item construction.
I consider the material covered and the purpose of the assessment in selecting a test format. If the material is more recall driven, a matching or completion assessment is a good choice. But if critical thinking is part of the objective, short answer or essay is the best choice (a.k.a. constructed response), and perhaps multiple choice, depending on the context.
I am always a proponent of the fill in and short discriptor test format. It actually requires the student to retain and understand the specific information, as-well-as the conceptual data.
Hi Edwin, Thanks for your post to the forum. You make some very good points about short answer tests. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Hi Jennifer, Thanks for your post to the forum. You are using a very appropriate mix of assessments. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I personally like short answer for most formats, but that greatly increases the work load for many of my existing student tasks and would greatly increase the hours required for proper review of tests.... It would however, enable me to get a definate understanding of absorbtion, retention and any areas of weakness in learning the student may have. As well as deficites in our program and where improvement need be made.
I usually give a variety of tests depending on the class... I have skill assesment tests for my hands on programs, short essay for case study classes & multiple choice for lecture classes
Hi David, Yes, that application assessment when applicable is essential.
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
The criteria that I use is the Bloom's Taxonomy.
I do keep record of lab practice, and after assessment, they will take an objective Tests
• Multiple-Choice Tests
• True/False Tests
• Matching Tests
Our written tests are developed by our curriculum department and are both true/false and multiple choice. When I give the hands on test it needs to be an assessment of mastering a skill they learned during the course. I have the student perform that skill in front of me so I can accurately grade that learned skill.
Hi Orvileta, That is a very good assessment strategy. Best wishes!
Susan Polick
Hi Bonnie, You are using a really comprehensive assessment strategy! Best wishes!
Susan Polick
The main criteria I look to when selecting a test format, is looking into what test format would be appropiate for the block of instruction it is to cover
I also use mutiple test format. A mutiple test is used in the national certification for Medical Coding so I like to stick with that format. I also pratice with my students how to take a mutiple choice test with speed & accuracy.
I agree. I like to switch the type of testing I use in my class frequently. Sometimes I use a variety of test in one exam. I might use multiple choice, short answer and matching to assess my students knowledge. It's a little more work involved in developing it but it gives the students experience taking different types of tests in one test.
a method of assessment that will allow students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills that they have acquired in your course.
