I think that it depends on the class ultimately. Hands on test are always good to see how the student can apply what they are learning, plus this helps some students more because not everyone is good at standardized testing.
Right now I am using multiple choice to assess knowledge as well as getting students comfortable taking multiple choice exams as they must pass a national exam to practice their profession - and it is a multiple choice test. However, they must ultimately practice massage therapy in the real world on real clients so I also have a practical skills assessment.
I create my own test. Mostly multiple choice, true or false and completion.
I have always designed tests that cover several different objective and subjective question types. I have recently started using a more standardized form of testing which has generated more reliable results. I suspected a multiple choice test with only a few short answers would generate higher grades, but instead my students performed at the desired distribution for a good reliable test. I am going to switch to this method next semester in all my classes and observe the results.
the best way is slect the tests that will show the strongest and weakest parts of the course and to revisit the areas not retained by the class
Hi Rachael, Good choices for your assessment strategy! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
In order to select the best testing format for a particular subject, I consider the following: how the content was delivered, projects students were asked to complete while learning, and how I want students to use the information going forward. I find that a combination of testing formats (some multiple choice, some short answer, and some essay) allows for all students to succeed.
I use a labeling format and I multiple choice format.
In my opinion the student evaluation process should receive significant scrutiny by the instructor because this testing strategy is utilized by most instructors as validation for attainment of student learned principles.
Hi Jason, Thanks for your post to the forum. I also rely on rubrics to grade any assignment that might be considered subjective. Susan
Susan Polick
i believe that students also learn more from having hands-on experience.
I use almost all of the testing formats covered in this course. Most of the student population that I have had do well on these types of exams. I do not give word banks or matching questions...they are going to need to know how to spell correctly and they will need to be able to recall the information in the field without a list of items to pick and choose from.
Using a rubric for practical exams is a great technique. I teach a lot of classes that involve producing art and media with computer software and rubrics allow me to evaluate students in a consistent manner while still allowing them to use their creativity in their approach to problem solving.
Hi Cynthia, Thanks for your post to the forum. Your assessment choices are quite appropriate for the discipline that you teach.
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
visual and hands on seem to involve most students
IT DEPENDS ON THE CONTENT. SOME AREAS NEED VISUAL IN ORDER TO GRASP THE INFORMATION. WHILE SOME INFORMATION IS SIMPLY RECALL.
As a culinary chef we're required to give both a hands on assesment and a written test. I choose the items for the hands on knowing it's something the student will benifit from doing again and be succesful. Our written test are based on everything thats gone over in lecture and demonstration in class. I do prefer to give a good blend of Matching, True and False and conversions.
My selection of tests depends on the material covered and whether I am doing formative evaluation or summative evaluation. Because my discipline includes much hands-on activity, I use multiple choice questions for formative evaluations then use skill evaluations and essay testing based on problem solving at the end.
tHER CRITERIA DEPENDS ON TYPE OF PARAMETER THAT NEEDS TO BE TESTED.
I also stick to scheduled exams, but I like to add extra credit questions on other subjects we may be discussing in another class. This encourages the students to keep their mind open and think.
