more multiple choice questions
Actually I follow the grading book which is used by the whole school . I cannot implement a new one by myself.
Essay exams can certainly give you insights as to student learning, and they also accomplished the task of getting the student to write, but I have always found them difficult to grade because I would wonder if the student just forgot this point or if they didn't think it was relevant. I have gone to multiple choice and short answer. These questions not only streamline my grading, but they also let me ask the pointed question to see if they learned the important points. They either know it, or they don't!
I will definitely be reviewing the online sites suggested in this module!
Those are both great studying techniques Joel. I particularly like the idea of having students verbally tell you how they would do the assessment. Really gets them thinking about the course material.
each of the sugestions can be helpful, but, we have to move slightly in a direction of less evaluations, it seems many students are overly concerned about grades.
Most of my tests are practical exams where the students are applying what they've learned. I generally try to review the items prior to the test or have students verbally tell me how they would do the assesment.
That sounds tough Frank. It's hard to learn a new writing style and perhaps even harder to switch back and forth between writing styles.
Frank,
I'm a librarian. I have a handout I provide to the students on APA and MLA which I will gladly send to you via your email account if you wish. Both seem to help the students a great deal. Just let me know what you would like to do.
My email is frances.king@miller-motte.
Just let me know ~
One school I work at requires APA since I teach mainly Psychology there. The other, requires MLA for every class but Psychology so I teach with both writing formats. I am really rusty on MLA, they provided an inservice on it which helped, since I have used APA myself exclusively for about 14 years.
I would definitely have to agree with that statement. I found that when I do not adjust the process so that I can grade quickly, I even feel like I have less time in terms of mentoring and tutoring the students. When the process is streamlined, I seem to feel and be able to spend time working with the students.
James
Wow, sounds like you are working for a great institution Gina. It's nice when institutions are organized and come together to make grading easier for everyone.
Frank,
Does your school require the use of APA, or can you opt to use another format for their writing?
I see you teach in the area of psychology and it makes sense that APA is used in that, but I would think that if you are a career school/college, that the MLA would be acceptable or even the Chicago style.
Currently I have standardized formats for homework assignments that make it easy for me to evaluate key terms/concepts. The problem comes with APA style writing because those errors may not be as quick to spot in their writing.
For exams, I tend to use Multiple Choice (recognition) testing with answer keys to allow for greater speed.
The ideas are interesting that were presented in this Module and I will try out a few of them over time and see if it speeds things up for me in my seated classes. The online courses I teach are pre-set for now and not able to be adjusted.
Frank Wylie, MSCJ/Forensic Psychology, LCDCIII, ICADC
The school that I work for already uses multiple choice tests, which makes it a lot easier on us to grade them. We use all of the same tests at all of our campuses.
We are currently in the process of changing our curriculum. We started using the test banks that come with the book which makes our lives a whole lot easier and less stressful!
I do not have the opportunity to change much of what I instruct. We use a grading rubric and pre determined online assignments. I grade them after the final submission date and then have a pre determined amount of time in which to do so. I do not find that process to be overly difficult and am happy that I do not have to create exams and such. The use of the grading rubric does decrease the amount of time necessary to grade the papers (except for the PPT's and essays). Overall, I would recommend the use of Grading Rubrics.
Yes, just staying organized is a great first step Kim. It sounds like you have some unique grading needs and will have to come up with some customized solutions that work for you.
At this time I do not have exams but grading homework assignment/class assignments takes a considerable amount of time. Depending on the class size and the content of the assignment, it could take days to complete grading on one individual assignment for one class. Althgough the information provided in the module is quite helpful, there is no need for a particular format for grading exams with my current courses. Hoowever, I will take out more time to organize myself in a manner which allows me to work more effectively and productively.
Kim
There are two methodologies that I would apply based upon what I have learned. If objective testing is appropriate, I would Scantron to be faster and simpler. I would also consider positioning or highlighting if using essays as part of the testing process. Both appear to be less time-consuming and very user friendly.
I have had students trade off homework in the class previously. Unfortunately, it seems to be a method that can create more anxiety for my students in the career setting. They already have self-confidence issues. So, I would not use this method in the context that I work now.
This not one of my many problems. I use BlackBoard at one university. The examples given in this Module will defintely help at the other. The highlighting and the selcted answer on the side is a good idea.
