Selection of the apprpriate testing format is vital to student's successful achievment of passinfg the course
If I want to gauge student understanding at a certain point in a new topic I typically give a short multiple choice quiz. At the completetion of a topic the test contains short answer questions and completion questions to hone in on a student's ability to synthesize the steps required for a particular skill.
A competency is always used as a means of evaluating a hands-on lab skill. This allows me to observe the student perform a particular task.
Hi Gail, Thanks for your post to the forum. You are clearly adapting your instruction and assessments to the needs of your students. Excellent! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
The criteria developed by the program, based on the students abilities.
I try to select a testing format that best matches the information given and which format will best show what the student should have learned.
During a theory course, I usually utilize a variety of testing formats: short written quizes, multiple choice exams on the computer, group discussion and presentation format,take-home case study and concept map assignments. I am very clear during the first class to discuss the syllabus and assignments with the students. I am also open to the learning styles and difficulties of the students, noting if individuals are having a particularly difficult time with one particular style of testing ( for example, time computer testing).
One of the main criteria is the type of class that I am teaching. In "hands on" classes I prefer to give a more "hands on" test than a written exam. I may have the students demonstrate how to do something as a quiz or test. This helps to show thier understanding of the material.
Hi Kristy, Thanks for your post to the forum. Mirroring the State exam's format is an excellent way to go. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
We mainly use multiple choice tests simply because the State licensing exam is all multiple choice. We do a lot of quizzes that may involve T/F, matching, essay, short answer and sometimes graphic depending upon the topics. I find most adult learners get a bit upset when given something other than multiple choice. I am not sure if it is due to simply the format change or it is just easier for them to use the process of elimination.
Hi Walt, That is an excellent practice! Also some students just do better with differnt types of assessments.
Susan Polick
Whenever possible, I try to vary my testing formats in my classes, meaning that my tests contain each of the available testing types.This makes it more interesting for my students and eliminates the predictability of my tests. For the most part, the students welcome the variances and I like them also.
I use a variety of testing methods depending on the materiel. A lab atmosphere uses more skill assesmant as opposed to the classroom or theory classes where multiple choice or short answer is used to make sure the students understand before hitting the lab
I normally use multiple choice. Not necessary for the reasons mentioned in the MOD. I believe it is the fairest assessment for English as a second language folks. However, over the years I have added an essay question/s at the end.
As I had stated before I think the timeliness is extremely important. I am able to correct the test while the students are working on a project and the exam is returned before the end of the class.
Hi Sam,
I agree depending upon the competency being measured, at that point the instructor should determine which type of test to give.
I based the selection in the type of learner and to expand their comprehension.
It Depends on What you Are Testing them for.
Multiple Choice can be used for a wide Variety of Questions.
We use multiple choice questions and true and false questions because the students need to take a national board at the end of the course and the board only uses those types of queations.
Hi Paul, Thanks for your post to the forum. Great assessment choices!!
Susan
Susan Polick
i LIKE TO KEEP THINGS FACTUAL. IT KEEPS THE STUDENTS ON COURSE
It depends on the subject. When testing for knowledge of the basics then multiple choice might be the best to get the factual answers. When the subject is the operation of a refrigeration system then short answer or hands on demostation of the concept might be used.
