Essay tests with choices
Despite what ED103 has suggested, I find that offering students a "choice" of different essay questions can address different learning styles.
In the English and History classes I teach, I want to test a student's capability to receive a relatively complex question, apply critical thinking, and express their response in a thoughtful, organized and creative way. For one question, I might offer an article or essay to respond to; for another, I might use a video clip or painting; for auditory learners, an audio clip of a poem or essay read by an author works nicely.
In the end, I think I can offer equivalent questions (perhaps because the material is so subjective) while allowing students to engage with their preferred learning styles.
I like your ideas. I think that offering these different types of questions would be very motivating to students.
I can concur. Adult learners need choices and this addresses that need as well as respect for their learning style.
Hi Marc -
My undergraduate was Sociology. In the program I studied, my professor would give 6 essay questions and we would have to answer three. I really liked that approach, because it allowed me to elaborate on the area where I felt I was most comfortable.
Bobbi Bricker
I agree with you regarding *multiple choice essay* questions with a subject such as English,where--excepting grammar and spelling issues--the answers are often subjective, not an *exact science*.
HI Norma - thanks for your post to the forum! I think it really depends on the discipline that you teach. In some disciplines the essay test is preferred by students. Best wishes - Susan
I have heard much positive feed back by students to this form of tests, it keeps them interested in the exam as well as making them think before answering, instead of just rushing to answer the questions to get it done and over with.
Yes indeed. Choices do help to motivate students to write. It eliminates the feeling of being boxed in or stuck with only one option.
Marc,
As your supervisor, I have seen the effectiveness of your style! As Chef Cone stated, I agree with you completely! It is possible!
Hi Marc- Welcome to ED 103! I really like your ideas about esssays! Your suggestions are really alligned with the learning styles - great work! Susan
I could not agree with you more, very well said.
