It depends on the course I'm teaching,if it's a lab class then it helps the student to actually handle the types of instruments/supplies and to perform the skills, than to just look at a picture or to write a short answer response on how to perform a correct procedure. I'm definitely not a fan of T/F, my students tend the think I'm "tricking" them. And its not a true gauge of their knowledge of the course.
I believe that it depends on the class that I am teaching. If it is a clinical class then hands on or skill application are usually what I incorporate. I also use a mixture of the other types of tests according to the subject matter
Hi Jacqueline - Yes, in the general education classes that I teach I do use short answer questions combined with multiple choice. Susan
Hi Jacqueline - Thanks for your post to the forum. The assessments that you choose for your computer applications class are ideal! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Do you use any type of short answer or completion answers to test their level of understanding of the material that they are being tested on?
No, I am not a big fan of true and false either-it doesn't assess anything as far as I am concerned. I also like putting scenarios on a test and then seeing which way they will go-it helps me to see if they are truly utilizing critical thinking skills and if they can apply the knowledge they have picked up during the class.
It depends on the topic that I am teaching. For my computer applications class, I will give a small multiple choice test to see if they understand the foundational materials that was presented in the class but then I will also require them to create certain documents and I have directions on what they need to create so that I can assess that they actually know how to use the different applications.
Hi Carmella - Thanks for sharing an excellent assessment strategy! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Frank - thanks for your post to the forum. i think that your assessment strategy is excellent!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan, I teach in the computer field, and when i give a test, I try to use some of each type of question, for material that need to be memorized I use completion, to test general theory, I use multiple choice, when I need to know that they understand a concept I use essay questions. By doing this I feel that each exam, test all the required information.
I agree. I include pictures and sometimes incorporate a hands-on aspect to an examination.
Athough some of our instructo manuals provide exams, I really enjoy preparing my own as well. I find that each group of students is very unique and differs from the previous or next. Therefore, I like to revise my exams accordingly since one group may have picked up on the material quickly, yet another may not. Additionally, I am able to assess things according to the material covered thoroughly rather than zoom over the material and not truly understand it. I always tell my students, "I'd rather you have a clear and concise understanding (grip) of the material than to memorize it and forget it next week."
Depends on which class. Sometimes straight objective tests that include a variety of multiple-choice, short answer and essay questions are effective. Sometimes a practical, career-based skills test is needed.
I tend to use a variety of testing formats during the course of my terms. Just like learning styles, students test differently and are better out some styles than others. Also, some tests require a certain style to show the instructor that the student fully understands the topic at hand.
I like to give a variety of testing formats just to keep them thinking. I will use multiple choice. I do tend to not use true or false, but I do use matching and some skill testing in demonstrating skills learned.
The subject matter determins what format I use for my tests. If I am teaching them a computer program I have the produce something in the program to test them. I teach architectural drafting and if it is a class on terms I use multiple choose, short answers and matching (they have to match drawings with there terms).
Hi James- Thanks for your post to the forum. Your assessment choices are excellent! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Mark - Thanks for your post to the forum. Your assessment strategy is excellent! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I let the class content determine the type of test I administer. In teaching the lecture portion of my vascular ultrasound class, I use combination tests. These tests include Multiple Choice, T or F, Case Studies, and Matching. My tests are generally about 30-40 questions and are given over a 50 minute time period. I give practical exams in the lab portion of my class, giving the student the opportunity to demonstrate the technical component of scanning.
I would agree that testing formats depend upon the material that was taught. If it's a compounding class, I have students perform a skills demonstration. For a math class I may have them answer a variety of questions (straight forward, word problems, etc). I do not give them multiple choice options for math, because I do not want them just plugging in answers to find the correct choice.
