Contradiction between streamlining grading and student retention?
One of the suggestions here is to avoid essay exams if possible because they are so time consuming to grade. However, an earlier course on how students retain information advised that essay exams are the best way for students to show they have actually learned the material. The suggestion here is that mutliple choice and true/false are the best way to streamline grading of exams, but these are also the least effective way of showing student retention of the information. How can these be reconciled with each other? In composition or other writing intensive classes, in which exams are impractical and not applicable, how can the grading process be streamlined while still ensuring that the students have met the course objectives in terms of writing conherently and showing that they retain the information?
I like the idea of mixing up formats Christian, especially if it means making sure that students are tested fairly. It's nice to know that there are many testing formats that can be graded quickly. So you can provide variety without compromising efficiency.
I find that it's beneficial to use a variety of formats on exams. Students have different learning styles, and with different sorts of question formats, each student has a chance to excel. I usually try to include multiple choice, true/false, fill in the blank, and essay components to each exam. I agree that it's a bit more time consuming to read and evaluate essay questions, but I feel that it's worth the extra time and effort to make sure that the students are retaining the information they are learning in class.
Directions are key in proper performance. I fel that if they are not followed, then the student should be docked points from the task.
It is much easier to have students underline but one thing that I have noticed is many do not follow directions carefully. Do you give a penalty if they do not underline?
Great thoughts and great questions Carolyn! Yes, multiple choice and true / false formats are not always the appropriate method for grading. Writing intensive courses do require essay style exams. I recommend asking students to underline the most important parts of their answers for fast grading.
