Hands on and application of learned skills in the final analysis is the determining factor of success or failure in career and life!
I use nearly every test format that was described in ED 130. I find that a variety of testing formats is the best way to assess comprehension.
I do the same. I like to make my own exams and use a combination of multiple choice, shortanswer, and essay. Sometimes the size of the class determines if I choose essay or not.
First of all it depends on what class it is. If it is math for example its more of like show me your work or steps you took to solve this problem. But if is a general class that it deals with procedures and has a lot of vocabulary or key terms then you would have to consider giving it as a multiple choice format.
Hi Mark, Thanks for your post to the forum. You are doing a great job of moving your students progressively towards higher levels of learning! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
It depends on the group of students I am teaching at the time. Sometimes, due to the personal assessment of the group response during lecture, I may use multiple choice, true/false, or a mixture. Testing can be very scary for even the smartest student.
I refer back to my lesson objectives and see what level in Bloom's taxonomy that I expect each student to achieve. I tend to use multiple choice or true/false at the low end of the scale (knowledge & comprehension) and move more toward short answer and essy at the upper end of the scale (analysis, synthesis, & evaluation).
The testing format I utilize depends on the class I teach. For my lab skills class, I give a powerpoint presentation; give a demonstration on the skill, then follow with the students practicing the skill. With lab skills I generally give a multiple choice test in conjunction with proficiency or "skill application test". I choose both methods of testing to evaluate comprehension of the methodology and competency in a skill.
Hi Kendall , You have a very thorough approach to designing assessments - great work! Susan
Susan Polick
I take problems from the review at the end of every chapter and put those on the tests. I also look at how much time was spent on each subject in class, and what was covered quickly. I take into account what topics were confusing to the students and how long it would take to complete each problem. To make sure that the test will be completed in a reasonable time. I choose problems from the chapter review because students are very honest in telling me that they don't do those problems even though they were assigned to be done as review, but not for a grade. This way it gives them a reason to look over the review problems, because they know they will be seeing it for a grade on a test. As far as deciding on multiple choice, T/F, etc, I find it hard to incorporate those into a math test, but I am open to any ideas!
Hi Jeannine, Thanks for your post to the forum. Good practice to review the tests that come with the textbooks as there can be errors or material that we may not have covered in class. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
I use standardized tests from testbanks, depending on the difficulty level and after obtaining a baseline of the students I may change the questions.
It depends on the class that is being taught. I mostly teach lab courses so I use skills application
When using a text provided test, I like to review it and make sure that students understand the questions being asked. I like to use a variety of testing formats as it gives students an opportunity to discover which format works best for them.
Hi Lisa, Thanks for your post to the forum. I also sometimes use standardized tests but always review the questions to be sure that they are representative of what I have taught in class. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Hi Miyuki, great choices of assessments! Susan
Susan Polick
I agree with a couple of the other instructors, it depends on the class. However, I do use standardized tests (questions from the publishers test bank). I do incorporate several sections on each test: True/False, Multiple Choice, Matching and Completion. Rarely do I use Essay.
The criteria you use for selecting testing formats really depending on the content of the class. I usually have a combination of everything in it, such as: True /False, multiple questions, short answers and also small projects. Especially when I teach CAD programs... I need to see if they can deliver a job.
The criteria I use in selecting testing formats are:
a) subject matter
b) strengths and weaknesses of students
c) trends and demonstrated learning
d) time
It think it depends upon what is being taught. In the medical field I think it is important to use skill assessments to assess ability along the way and at the end. I also think it is important to use multiple choice to assess more content at a time. I think it is also important to have fill in the blank and short answer to assess if the answers are known and not purely a lucky guess.
