That's a really good idea, using the format of the national certification exam. There are some things that aren't easily tested that way though. I'm struggling with how to test for soft skills in a quick and easy way.
I think if it is a hard skill that the student has to be able to demonstrate, then that itself should be the test -- demonstration of the skill. I find it most difficult to test for soft skills -- people skills. If anyone has any ideas on that, it would be most appreciated.
I use a test generating program from the book. It has a variety of testing questions. However, the author uses tricky questions and I get a lot of complaints. I'm going to be using my own questions however it takes so much time to write them. Is there a program you recommend that will put your questions in a format...ect..multiple choice, matching...and T/F?
In my online classrooms, I use the short essay tasks that the school prescribes for my class. In reality, it would be difficult to do it differently... I think the students get more from the class, because they are asked to apply the content, rather than to memorize it for an exam...
Hi Anne- Thanks for your post to the forum. You assessment plan certainly has something for everyone- well done! Best wishes for continued success oin your teaching career. Susan
I like to give my students a variety of formats within one test. This way, the weaker students can experience success, yet still be held accountable for higher order thinking skills. The stronger students feel successful because they can easily handle the matching and multiple choice questions while shining on the short answer and essay portions.
Hi Anthony - Thanks for your post to the forum. That makes perfect sense. Best wishes- Susan
I use students feedback on how they feel they learn.
For example, if most students say they learn by visual examples, then i form my tests to be more labeling or visual matching.
I still use other methods as well but focus more on format that will aid the majority of students. If there is no majority then I stick to multiple choice.
In my case the subject of the class determines the testing format. I teach Art classes, and though we can use some of the other testing formats to determine comprehension of terms, the only true method to determine the skill development of the students is through Skill application projects. We have to see how they apply the techniques we have taught them and how they have intergrated them into thier process for crerating thier artwork.
Certainly, this is different for different courses. However, I try to make the tests:
1. sensitive measures
2. fair to the students
3. relevant
4. introducing no new material
5. easy (hopefully automatic) to score
This points to multiple choice questions as my preferred approach. However, some higher-level assessments are also important. For this reason, I have important homework assignments that require students to produce work that demonstrates their knowledge, skills, and creativity.
Hi Michelle- Thanks for your post to the forum. As you describe, it is challenging to be a teacher, but we do the best job we possibly can! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
The tragic truth is, that the only consideration on our campus these days seems to be time. I used to not "belive" in multiple choice and T/F testing, but now I use it exclusively (mind you, I do LOTS of hands on practical testing, since it IS a culinary arts school). I teach a 3 hour class followed by a 2 hour followed by a 4 hour, with no breaks. Long days with loads of forms and paperwork...running a scan-tron is a big time savings with large classes and lots of them. In my defense...I feel my tests are very well-written, and after taking this course I know that its not "just me!" They really ARE great! LOL
In a practical class, I use skill based testing almost exclusively, although I do feel completion and true\false do effectively convey the informational aspect.
When selecting test formats, I try to use a little bit of every objective form and will also use one essay question to help with writing skills. I believe using different types of questions gives the student a fair and accurate way to demonstrate their knowledge.
The criteria that I use for slecting testing formats will vary depending on the course. For example, we teach on online electronic portfolio and I use a rubric to grade it. Built into that rubric is how well they verbally present it to the class along with their classmates watching them flip through the various computer screens.
For math tests, completion seems to work best. They can't be successful by good guessing.
The criteria will vary depending on what I am trying to test and the subject matter being covered.
we use already formatted tests
When selecting the correct test format, I look at the objectives of the course and what type of course it is. I teach a lot of business courses, so memorization is not always important. I like to have the students complete application-based tests and put the information to work.
Shelly Baker
