I generaly do not use open-book tests unless the student missed the original test date.
Also, I use open book testing as a surprise, never anticipated in advance to ensure students have studied--and the tests are timed.
it depends,if i am doing a service call on a technical piece of equipment i may not know the entire workings of everything,i may have to look up information.
Hi John, "Sometimes, just knowing where and how to look up information is the key to their success or at least, their self-esteem building." That is a great point! Have a great holiday! Susan
Susan Polick
Susan,
Thank you for your comments, however, I do not necessarily believe in the use of "open-book" examination. Sometimes, I have used this form of assessment to accent reading. Sometimes I might initiate in-class reading to insure accuracy of word pronunciation and definitions.
In UNIV103, I encourage reading, writing and definitions. I want my students to be able to feel that they can be successful at anything. Sometimes, just knowing where and how to look up information is the key to their success or at least, their self-esteem building.
HI John, Thanks for a good explanation of the benefits of open book testing!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
I agree that "open-book" exams may limit your ability to assess how much and how well the student absorped the shared information the instructor presented, however, if you fear that students are not reading the material daily as required, "open-book" test can adequately garner acceptable assessment techniques that will allow you to make a general assessment of the student's ability to retrieve data.
If the exam is sufficiently prepared, the student will have to dig deep into the text and outside material to adequately score well. This is another way to get students to read the material or at least get a second look.
I agree. I do not feel that it properly shows how well the student interpreted the information. I think giving questions that go along with the chapter is a great assignment that helps the student pull out the relevant information.
I will give open book tests every now and again. I for-warn them that they are not easy and should not wait to the last minute to prepare/study.
I agree with you Alicia, concerning open book testing. I don't like to do open book testing but if I must I usually have a strict time limit because the students should already know the material.
Hi Alicia, I prep students for an open book tests by showing them how to take notes as they read the text so that will be able to quickly go to the relevant sections as they need to during the test. Susan
Susan Polick
I am also not a fan of this form of testing. I can say I have used open book testing before. When I do give open book testing I give a very very short time limit in order to locate the answers. I always make the exam a lot longer than it would have been if it was not open book. In doing this I still am able to see what the student really understands because all answers cannot be looked up there is just not time for it. So it shows the students who went into the exam with some knowledge of the subject and the students who just banked on using the books or notes and have to search every answer.
