We have to use multiple choice format for the course I teach. However, I feel I compensate for this with our homework assignments that include short answer responses, matching and true false. If our tests were not always digital, I would consider short answer responses since this usually helps a student understand the objective. Testing format should be variable to be most effective in my opinion.
We are using both written (standardized multiple choice) and practical skills tests.
I like to use the format that provides the broadest amount of material coverage assessment
Hi Dave, That is an effective way to combine skills assessment with assessment of theory and process knowledge. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I'm an instructor at a technical school, a portion of the testing is observation of hands on work with verbal questioning of the process be performed. I prefer multiple choice tests for the theory portion of the curriculum. In this way I can see if they are retaining what is being discussed in both the classroom and shop.
Hi Debby, Thanks for your post to the forum. That is an ideal way to help students feel more comfortable with the required exam. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I use testing formats that mirror the NCLEX-RN examination to better prepare my students to take and pass that exam
I use multiple choice for the majority of my tests. I mix in some matching and T/F questions too. I'm going to give some essay type questions for quizzes to help get a better idea of how much my students are truly learning and understanding.
I totally agree with you. The educational freedom we once had is gone. The days of making your own tests are now replaced by tests that come with the standardized curriculum. So we don't have a choice as to how we would like to create our tests.
Hi Rodney, Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree that it is a good idea to use assessments that "mirror" the licensing exam. It can certainly reduce student anxiety. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I prefer kinesthetic evaluations of skills. Since I am a clinical instructor and teach clinical at the facilities and in skills labs.
By decreasing the students stress initially before the skill is performed allows for a successful completion of the required skills for the terms and materials covered.
Mariann Urbancsik, BSRN
Usually I do 3 kinds of tests for my audio courses. Multiple choice for technical information, written essays for subjective research, and hands on practical exams with equipment.
I usually use multiple choice questions when testing students because that is the way their licensing exam is set up. We use matching, fill in the blank, true/false, labeling and multiple choice in their homework to make sure that we still use the strengths of these other formats. We also have skills application tests for their hands on classes so that we can assess their abilities in doing hands on work.
Hi Linda, I agree, those sort of tests are more difficult to grade but do give us more information on how are students are doing. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Students are not as intimidated when taking this form of test, which will set them at ease and enable them to recall better.
My favorite tests to give are short answer, essay and completion testing. They are more time consuming to grade, but I really know if a student has fully comprehended the information taught. It takes out the guesswork.
I use short answer tests for most classes and allow an open book approach as the questions are an extension of the materials discussed in class.
I guess id depends on what I am testing the students on. I think essay tests and short answer are excellent testing methods but I teach in a medical college. An essay test would not be appropriate for medical teminology. My exams usually end up being a mix of: multiple choice, true/false, fill in the blank, and matching. Since many of the things our students learn are of the recall variety.
When determining the best format to use for testing, you have to go through trial and error to find which works the best. Every format will not be a favorite of every student, that can be fixed. Some students have to get used to a different form of questioning. I ask students questions in all the formats, then I make my decision on what works best. I may even be better to just use all formats to accommodate all the students.
Jacqueline Coleman
I totally agree with Conseuala, the student can be completely book-smart, but I believe the hands-on experience and common sense will actually allow the student to do their job more effectively out on the "real world." I always tell my students: practice makes perfect; you'll learn and understand more with experience; and learn from your mistakes!
