My criteria for testing changes with the subject matter. Some subjects work great with matching/ multiple choice. If the class is lab heavy I like to evaluate the students hands on ability.
We are required to use standard tests provided to us. However we can develop additional tests that enable us to evaluate our teaching methods. I often use completion tests in between standard assessments for a quick check.
Hi Melissa, You are doing a great job of choosing appropriate assessments! Susan
Susan Polick
Hi Edward, Thanks for your post to the forum. You are using an excellent mix of assessments! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
when selecting a format for testing i first look at the material that i have covered in class. i base my tests and quizes on this. i then decide on what is going into the test and that helps me figure out the format of my test.
When determining which testing format to use, I look at the following items:
What it is that I want to test, recall, demonstration skills, higher order thinking skills, etc.
How much material is being covered in the test.
The time constraints for testing.
The testing area, is is condusive to the type of testing that is best or do I have to use another form of testing - may want lots of room for movement, but the class area is very small for example.
The student learning styles and unique student needs
Whenever possible I try to stay away from multiple choice, fill in the blank, matching tests and lean towards essay & skill competency based tests. I think to myself how will the student be demonstrating this skill in the real world and how can I create a test enviroment that mimicks that situation.
Of course to a degree it depends on the type of class. For business online teaching I am using a lot of short essay, case studies and even group projects built on proposed scenarios. These are more experiential based formats which elicit great insights from the students. I emphasize a need for quality research and references so that the students are using reliable and valid information. Then they build on the projects to a large final project which incorporates all the learning objectives of the class.
I select my testing format based the behavior being evaluated.
Hi Olaolu, That is a very sensible practice. Susan
Susan Polick
Basically,i format my test in the format of thier certifying/proffesional exam.
Several things are important to look at:
type of learning environment
number of students and physical classroom size
level of learning
nature of course
For adults I like to use scantron multiple choice with 5-6 matching, fill in the blank, or short answer at the end to check on comprehension. I find that this meets both the students and my needs for assessment.
Hi Kristi, Thanks for your post to the forum. You are making great assessment choices!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career! Susan
Susan Polick
Hi Deborah, Thanks for your post to the forum. You are using an excellent mix of assesments! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career! Susan
Susan Polick
The criteria I use for selecting a test would be: What content am I testing about, what level of that content(definitions, formulas, ideas, and applications) needs to be comprehended more, and most importantly what test will allow a better judgement of higher learning for my students.
I use a lot of multiple choice and completion tests. I also use multiple multiple choice testing as this is what our national board exams consist of- getting the students used to this type of testing thoughout the whole program helps to prepare them for that very intimidating test! I also use clinical competency (skills) testing since this is a health profession and is indeed what success in their careers will be based on.
I like to use different formats when testing my students. Class is split into a lecture portion and then hands on. Based upon what we are learning for the week determines the kind of test I will make. I sometimes will give a quiz before hand to gauge how the students are receiving the material and then make my tests based off of the quizzes.
I prefer to utilize all different formats, which I think is the best way to judge if the students are understanding the course material.
Hi Nelson, I can certainly see how skill application testing would be important in the culinary field, but agree that other formats of assessment are also important. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
I give students a little bit of all formats to stimulate their mind
Definetely it comes down to the subject I am teaching at the time; being in the culinary field allows you to use multiples types of testing. The skill application test is probably the most used and must important for my field, however I like to use different types of test in order to get a better idea of the students progress and knowledge gained while in my class.
