I really appreciated the section on validity. I have found errors in some standardized tests. Students are just learning, hearing/reading different vernacular can cause them to be confused and chose wrong answers. I find that constructing a test based off of class lectures is more appropriate and fair. Generally, I like to use multiple choice questions, including some that are application based, as to not allow students to only use rote memorization. I find that short answer questions work well for extra credit.
As I go through sections of the course, I generally point out areas of interest which may be found on a test. Since I am asking for specific information, I use T/F or M/C for my tests. This is announced so the students can study for this type of testing. I also use logical questions pertaining to the subject matter on the tests.
I evaluate what it is about each knowledge item/objective that I want/need the students to understand, then decide what type of question will best allow me to evaluate their comprehension of that item/objective. Skills are a large part of each class, and are evaluated on a competency basis.
The main one that we use is skill based.
I like using subjective rather than objective testing since objective testing does not truly assess information retained. Sometimes a student taking test like multiple choice remember the wrong answer rather than the correct answer in taking the written test.
What are the criteria you use for selecting testing formats?
I typically look at the subject matter that we are covering. If I am teaching economics, it is important that my students understand the basics but I also want them to integrate it into their lives. Because of this, I will have multiple choice and essay. When I am teaching a sales course, it is more important to me that they are able to understand how what they are learning integrates into the real world so I would use mostly short answer and essay.
Bobbi Bricker
HI Brian - Thanks for your post to the forum. It's excellent that you concentrate on giving your students significant feed-back on gtheir written assignments!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Since I teach paralegal students and writing skills are important, I try to use tests where students write essays and submit papers or practical-based assignments. I try to provide feedback on the student's writing skills to help them in the process. I use track changes in Word on the student's paper and add more comments.
I agree with that. For intro courses, I also use more objective multiple choice and true/false questions with some short answer questions. For upper division courses, I use more essay and projects.
In my situation that's been put under the control of our curriculum department and I don't have the authority to change the test format. While this seems to make it easier for me, it curbs any ability to improvise or improve at a local area.
Doug
HI Lenore - Welcome to ED 103! You have obviously given careful thought to your assessments and they quite thorough - great work!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career and all the best in 2010! Susan
1. The objectives of the course, lesson and activity
2. I use both recall questions, usually multiple-choice and application questions where the student has to apply the recall information to a particular situation.
3. I have met with teachers of the skill/knowledge based career classes (RT, DH, PTA) to find out what kind of questions they will be responsible for in that program and their national certification exams.
4. I use essay writing as a quiz to demonstrate application of different styles of writing. They have to apply the criteria of the type of essay to the actual writing process.
Because I teach a lot of accounting courses, I use a lot of short answer/essay questions where students have to explain a concept, write journal entries, or perform calculations. When teaching courses other than accounting, I try to mix on each test using some multiple choice, true/false, and essay so that I can assess not only what students can recall but also whether they can apply the concepts. I think it is difficult to fully assess learning when only one type of question is included on a test.
since culinary school is performance/skill based - all lab exams are based on performance
as far as the classroom portion of classes, i usually mix up the types of test in 1 exam rather than have all T/F or short answer, etc. since each student prefers a particular type of testing, my exam appeals to the class.
Hi Amy - Thanks for your post! Varying your assessments is an excellent strategy. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career and all the best in 2010! Susan
Student body and content covered. Is the course introductory or advanced? Major or general? etc.
I use open book tests; I think the student learns more because they are actually browsing through the notes, and textbook and they are actually reading without even realizing it.
The first thing I look at is the class I am teacing and the material and determine what type of learners I have. That determines how I present the material and ultimately how I assess the material as well. If possible I like to utilize a variety of assessment methods throughout the course to gauge student comprehension of the material.
Amy Rogers
At the beggining of the of the course I use a true false quize because of the ease of information I use the test to see if the students are aquiring information. As the course goes on I use a combination of other test to measure the amount pf information they are accepting. The last test is always a practical based on the skills that they must have for the vocation they are working towards.
Testing should be done with different formats depending on course content
