I will format my exams in multiple choice and true and false questions; also use the scantron sheets with each exam.
My exams are currently multiple choice but my projects are in essay form. I will now ask my students to underline the important points they want to make. Based on this module, it will streamline project grading.
Alexandra, Grading projects can be tough and time consuming. I see your point. Yes, the highlighting approach works well and I highly recommend it. I should note that another approach that can work well is asking students to complete their projects in portions throughout the semester. This way, you have smaller amounts of work to grade.
Dr. Melissa Read
I may change some things up and le them do more things on the net. That is the way of the future.
I can already grade my exams, and post them in a timely fashion. Projects on the other hand need some remodeling. I think that when I have students right papers, I will have them highlight the important facts, so I can grade them faster. Projects are by far the most time consuming work in regards to grades that I have. I may also adjust my HW assignments to make them easier to grade as well.
I've worked at my school for 1&1/2 years and have taught all of the classes (with the exception of a few I'm not qualified to teach)offered in my program, so I've reformulated many of my exams based on prior grading experiences. It's equally important to note what does work as what doesn't work. Just because one portion of an exam doesn't work doesn't mean that you should start over from scratch!
Looking for textbooks with useful ancillary material is a great idea which is negated when the organization makes all textbook selection decisions.
Changing our curriculum is a daunting task. But something I have been doing as of late and it seems to be reinfocred in the module is how students hand in their lab assignments and other tasks. The more organized I have them set up their paperwork the better and easier it is for me to grade.
We do use a number of test formats here so it is benefical on multiple levels.
To be up front and honest, changing the curriculum and tests is a rather daunting task at our institution. Luckily, the tests for my classes are set up in a manner that allows me to grade effectively. We have all types of possible written assesments. We also have lab project. One thing I have done and will continue to do is to ask the help of the students in the organization of papers they hand in. This helps tremendously.
Jim, Thanks for sharing these great tips. Sounds like you are automating a lot. That's wonderful to hear. I'd love to hear more about what you do with the time that you save!
Dr. Melissa Read
I am already using a test generator which is provided by the textbook publisher. The generator allows me to create tests in a format that I can then put on-line for the students to take. When they complete the test/quiz they then submit it. The test is then scored and the results are emailed to me. That saves me a lot of time in grading quizzes and exams. We also utilize Turnitin for research papers. That site helps me determine whether or not a paper is plagiarized or not.
By making your test easier to grade by scantron, multiply questions etc. Will help in the streamlining of the grading process.
Per school and program policy, the nursing instructors need to follow either a multiple choice, matching or true/false format on our tests that can be graded by Scantron. With homework assignments the instructors are offered more flexibility. I like the idea of highlighting the reponses that the assignment asks. This would be easier to grade and also verify that the student understands the material and isn't trying to score extra points by adding extra content.
Krista, So true. I love watching this kind of learning. Sometimes the best way to learn is to evaluate and critique the work of others.
Dr. Melissa Read
I think redistributing the tests or homework for the students to grade is a great idea. Not only does it help me, but also helps them learn the correct answers to the questions.
Cheryl, These are important points. There is often a gap between our ideal grading state and what we can realistically accomplish. Technology constraints in the classroom often stand in the way. Student capabilities are another important factor. The grading methods we choose are often a balance between what we want and what we can do.
Dr. Melissa Read
I would love to be able to do more online tests. However, not all classrooms have computers or access to a computer lab for the tests to be taken in. I agree that homework should be important and not just busy work for the students. However, many students have a hard time with short answer tests. I try to make my tests fair but at the same time assess their understanding of the topics presented.
I am a substitute teacher and have not as yet had to develope exams. However, I can see myself using online test making tools and online grading tools to lessen the work load. This would give me more time to be there for the students and more time for other tasks. Thus....less stress!
As essay exams are given, I will look for key words and phrases to help streamline the grading process.
Shelly, Indeed true! Using both of these methods will significantly speed your grading. As an additional benefit, these methods will not change the depth with which your exams test student knowledge. So it's a win win!
Dr. Melissa Read
