Testing
Our tests here are multiple choices and they can be a little challenging and this is a great way to assess our students when testing. This is also a great way to determine if they have master the course.
Although multiple choice is good, Teaching students going into the medical field I feel it is imperative that they have some type of "writing" required on an exam. Because they will be required to spell in the field when charting the writing in of answers (essay/fill in) helps me to catch those with spelling issues prior to going out into the field. I say this because we began using Scantron (multiple choice) and having no fill in as much as possible to make our lives "easier" as far as grading goes but the students were not being required to spell or learn to spell. Spelling of basic non-medical words is horrible. I now require some type of fill in on any exam or quiz. Even if it takes me longer to grade. As a patient you would rather your Medical assistant spell ileum (portion of the small intestine) vs. ilium (portion of the hip bone) in your chart. Scary to think one letter can make a big difference, especially in the medical field. Hold them accountable for learning to spell!!!
not only does testing measure the knowledge retained by our students, but we as instructors must also make sure that we are teaching them those test taking strategies that will further assist them in achieving a passing score
Craig, Hands on testing is a wonderful method. I like the idea of including diagrams that students can assess too. Anything that closely approximates what they'll have to do in the real world is ideal.
Dr. Melissa Read
The tests we have in FACT although multiple choice, have a variety of diagrams for them to assess as they take the test. That along with the hands-on testing give a good accounting of what they have learned.
