Essay Exams
I use a variety of exams, depending on the subject matters. For certain classes, multiple choice and true/false makes the most sense but for a couple classes I teach I almost have to use essay exams. These classes are more on industry trends and opinions rather than concrete right or wrong answers, and an essay exam helps me evaluate how well students are truly comprehending the material and applying critical thinking. I know they take longer to grade, but I think they are far more accurate in assessing retention of material.
I like your point here Gary. I also use essay tests. I read the answers and will not decide if it is incorrect until I go over it with the student. I know this is off the subject here but when it comes to retention of the subject matter I will find the time.
I try to incorporate several types of question forms but I keep coming back to essays even though they ARE the most difficult to grade. I find that presenting my paralegal students with a complex fact pattern and asking for an analysis is very useful for assessing not just retention but understanding and applications as well
I agree, only through essay tests can you make the students creatively deal with the material. I believe this creativity is a valuable commodity that employers are looking for, and isn't that the reason they are in school--to get the skills necessary to further their career(s).
If you are looking for certain words to answer a essay question, I am sure that would help in grading essay exams. But there are different ways to answer an essay question and it can be hard to be sure the student has gotten the right message from a course. I would think, like Gary S., that the type of exam questions depend on the type class it is.
Essay exams are an excellent tool for testing a students ability to holisticlly understand course material.
Yes! Underlining makes grading essay questions quick and easy. It's great to be able to offer the same grading rigor with far less evaluation effort!
I really think that essay questions are a more accurate in assessing retention of material.
I like the idea of having students underline the key point on the essay questions. I usually skim there answers for key words. Underlining would make my skimming much quicker.
D. Saffioti
If you have the time to spare Donnie then do continue to use essay exams. If class sizes and course load continues to be manageable for you then you can afford to take a little extra time.
I'm probably one of the rare minorities who believes that an essay exam is the best means of evaluating RETENTION of certain topics, and I don't mind grading them either. I know time is important to preserve, but I don't believe in sacrificing the evaluation of students for it.
Donnie B.
Although I am a fan of using multiple choice, essay and applied understanding in my tests; my new employer insists on essay only. I'm not totally sure that will show the student's grasp on the material, and I'm also concerned with their grasp of writing scientific papers. Allas, I do find underlining the main point intersting and will give it a try.
My exams are principally essay exams which look for a strategic answer to a business dilemma. I additionally include definitions regarding a subject in order to set a foundation in a subject.
I really did like the idea of having your studnts underline the key point on the essays. I think this is going to make my life much easier.
