Test Banks
The texts for several of the courses I teach provide test banks and I see them as both good and bad. I often find errors, not only in the answer keys, but in the grammar and spelling as well. Frequently I find typographical mistakes too. I usually rewrite some of the choices on the multiple choice test banks because there are too many "all of the above"s or "both A & B" type answers.
On the other hand, the test banks save me time and also give me ideas for questions to ask the students during lecture. I have also adapted some of the multiple choice test bank questions into completion tests or short answer tests.
Even though test banks are not perfect, I still prefer to have test banks to choose exam questions from.
Generating course exams is the most difficult process for me as an experienced instructor.
I am also very limited on measuring my validity, reliability, and difficulty of question.
I appreciate test banks as instructor resources.
klg
Hi - Thanks for your post to the forum. Here is a link to some good test writing tips. Hope that you will find it useful! Best wishes - Susan
http://webs.rtc.edu/ii/Teaching%20Resources/GuidelinesforWritingTest.htm
I use test banks and I too find errors but my problem is that I am unsure how to write clear questions that my students will understand. I know what I want but how to make a question that will allow the student to give me the information is my problem, can anyone give me any suggestions?
I prefer to used the test banks sparingly, I tend to use a combination of essay, and multiple choice questions, the questions are literally created during the lecture. You just have to be very careful, with the content that you are trying to achieve of the test. Also, your lecture should be driving the test content, therefore the test should reflex the material the students are responsible for.
I use test banks often to assist me in writing my exams. I am a newer instructor, so these really help me get in the midframe of test writting.
I agree with Virginia, test banks are sometimes incorrect or contain errors. I find they do help in identifying potential questions and aid in re-writing questions that are more appropriate to our lectures/demonstrations.
The texts for several of the courses I teach provide test banks and I see them as both good and bad. I often find errors, not only in the answer keys, but in the grammar and spelling as well. Frequently I find typographical mistakes too. I usually rewrite some of the choices on the multiple choice test banks because there are too many "all of the above"s or "both A & B" type answers.
things that i do is explain that not everything we do is perfect. the place that i work has mistakes also that we are not allowed to fix
Hi Virginia- Thanks for your post to the forum. You are doing a great job of utilizing/adapting the test banks for your purposes! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
