Hi Teresa- Thanks for your post to the forum. I am glad that you have got some good usable info to use in the future! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I believe it's important to use some or all of the the following tools, visual, written, auditory. Student learn in different ways. To deny them "their" prefered way of showing their knowledge is not fair. My exams are composed of multiple choice, essay, etc.
I agree with you also. It is very difficult to write a challenging True/False question without making it so difficult that no student could figure it out. Or, so easy that anyone could guess the answer. I also don't like the 50/50 chance. Luck plays far too much of a part. I, for one, want a knowledgeable nurse, not a LUCKY one.
I have enjoyed the discussion thus far. Since NCLEX has begun multiple question forms, this offering is quite timely for me. Our school is beginning to use multiple question modes in order to prepare students for NCLEX. Thanks for the information, I look forward to using it.
it depends on the students ability and their age. also what kind of subject we are teaching.
This ends up being tied to the course and aptitude of the students. My next course is a legal course with all Doctorate level Lawyers.
For this collection of students I utilize a practical exercise testing format. The exercise assumes a basic level of knowledge, and requires comprehension, short answer essays, and group presentation.
Hi Carole - Thanks for your post to the forum. You are using a nice mix of assessment types!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I try to use as many testing formats as possible in a class. Exams, papers, discussions, hands on etc. It keeps the students interest and helps students with different testing abilities. I also use presentations in most of my classes. Some smaller then others, by students should be able to speak in front of a person or several people.
Hi Carole- Thanks for your post to the forum. You are using an excellent mix of assessment types!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
As many have already said, it depends on the nature of the course, I tend to prefer to use a variety of formats on every test if I can--some multiple choice, some true false, some short answer, for example. That way, I always hope I'm getting a fairly reliable assessment for each student.
My course is both Physics and Math. I tend to select multiple choice question for the physics as it help me to determine the level of understanding of my students. For the math part of my course I favor short answer questions as they can be in the form of a formula that has to be worked.
HI Monte - Thanks for your post to the forum. I also like the uniform approach that I get when I use all the materials that may accompany a purchased course. I make sure that I am covering all the material to be assessed. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I totally go for the pre-made tests. I also use the powerpoints and resources that come with the book. I feel they all match up and test on the same material. Soemtimes I have to adapt me to their style. That is ussually the hardest part. I think it helps me get out of "my way" of doing things.It keeps me structured too or I wander off topic. I use multiple choice mostly.Seems easier for everyone. I would rather have essays and short answer. I think critical thinking is the most importanat thing to teach and that's the best way to test them.
I look at the content of my lessons to determine the format. If I want to do open book test then I let the students take the essay test. This technique not only test their knowledge, but it reinforces the material.
Thank you for the feedback.
The criteria I use would revolve around the type of course being taught and its objectives. A history course may be best tested with a multiple choice exam while a course in creative writing would require an essay format. Skills acquired through in an in auto mechanics course would be best assessed with a skill application test.
Hi Barbara - You are definitely carefully designing effective assessments! Susan
Hands own is wonderful. But, for me, my best format is to establish a good strong working relationship with all adult learners.
The criteria I use for selecting testing formats depends on the course or material on which the class is being "tested". While I personally do not care for answering T/F questions myself, I have used them in exams I have created. However, I make a point of reading and rereading the questions and try to eliminate words which may be misread or taken out of context. To eliminate the problem of interpreting the response (answer) given, I instruct my students to write TRUE or FALSE rather than only using the letters T or F. At times, I have even included in BOLD type that if the student does not follow directions and write the answer as indicated, the answer will not be accepted. I tell the class , this is to emphasize the importance of following instructions which is vital in the healthcare field (it mimics following Drs. orders and giving meds in the form prescribed, not in their choice of form).
I have used case studies and modified True/False. I like using case studies because the student uses critical thinking and practical application of knowledge. I like the modified True/False because it allows the student to analyze and provide rationale for response and change the statement to make it true.
Hi Robin - Thanks for your post to the forum. Your assessment choice strategy is great! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
