This is not so much a change, as it is sometning I want to share. For one of my classes, the students are issued an activity manual that has multiple choice questions in it. If I wanted to use all the questions, I could just use a Scantron form, however, I like to pick and choose.
At the start of the term, I take up the activity manuals. Then for the quizzes from the activity manual, I give the students answer sheets in the form of:
3 A B C D
5 A B C D
12 A B C D
This way, the answer sheet tells the students which questions to answer and puts the answers in an easy to score grading format. When I place the key next to the student grade sheet, my eye tends to follow the dual pattern and any mismatch (wrong answer) tends to jump out at you.
I works very well for me.
I do like the scantron method of grading but it is very limited to the type of questions asked. I think it takes more time to use it because of having to go back to check for erasing marks and then figuring out the grade again.
Pamela, Grading can be tough when students dispute their scores. My best approach has been to explain to students that I do not give them grades, that they 'earn' grades instead. This typically gives them a new approach and point of view on the grading process.
Dr. Melissa Read
There was some good information shared in regards to streamlining the grading process. I have always tried to be far on thi but, many times it is hard if the students don't like what they hear.
I will use some true/false and multiple choice. Also I will use some fill in the blanks and have students grade each others exams. IT will be much time saving for me.
I used to do a lot of essay questions in the past but since I too am in school finishing my degree I haven't the time to grade essay tests. When my school acquired the scantron I began using regulary. Student's like it too because they know imediately what their score is. I know longer spend hours doing grades.
It actually is a wonderful tool and it really really helps you to achieve so much.
I will consider all the available ways of engaging students and grading their process. It should be a variety of ways to see if the students are understanding the material and mastering it.
Rodrigo, Yes, multiple question and answer formats do give us a broad range of feedback on student comprehension. It's nice to mix up formats in testing for final exams and throughout the semester.
Dr. Melissa Read
The method that I currently used most, depending on the subject matter, is the short exam or the true and false questions. However, usually in the final exam, I mix the exam questions with some short essay questions, as well as some true and false questions, so I can fully assess that student assimilation of the topics covered in the course. So I think that this gives me a broader spectrum of their progress.
Robert, Sounds like you have developed and implemented several great techniques for becoming more efficient in grading. Great work. Thanks for sharing those helpful links. I know other instructors will benefit.
Dr. Melissa Read
For long exams, such as those 20 questions or more, I do use scantrons. I've also used the method of switching essay papers or summaries, have students read aloud, have students critique, and then collect papers- this gives me a great head-start in grading and assessing the levels of learning taking place.
What I found very helpful were the website links in this module: quizstar and groups.google. I will check out the google groups and see about setting that up as a resource since my school currently does not offer this to students/faculty.
Great module!
In most cases I generally use a multiple choice format on my exams. This allows me to assess the students, as well as manage my time for grading. I also realize the importance of allowing students to express their ideas in an essay format as well. So at times I will add an essay specific question at the end of a multiple choice exam to allow them that opportunity of expression.
Vanessa, We've got to make sure we operate in compliant and legal ways when it comes to student evaluation. It's good to investigate both the rules of your institution as well as the rules of your field to understand the parameters you're working in.
Dr. Melissa Read
Katherine, Exam maker software is so helpful. Often times, our book publishers offer this to us at no cost. It's great to have a bank of sample questions to choose from. Even if we don't use those questions, they can be great thought starters.
Dr. Melissa Read
I will deginetely be making the majority of my test's multiple choice and will learn how to use the scan tron machine to make my life easier. I cannot have the students grade eachother's homework because that is a FERPA violation for the students.
it is helpful to use one of the Exam maker software available
I teach a variety of classes. I usually employ multiple choice and short answer questions. I find that when questions have matter-of-fact answers, then grading will be more efficient. If I was to formulate essay style exams, then students would have more free roaming range and it would take more time to assess answers versus concrete right/wrong style questions. I will continue with this approach.
I teach English Composition and Literature. As is to be expected, I spend a long time grading papers. As a principle, I think English and Literature classes are about "using" the language, so essay questions are my option of choice for both homework and exams. However, I am seriously considering a way to incorporate multiple-choice questions to graded assignments. It is certainly a challenge. I do not want to put the students in the all-too-often comfortable position of random selection. I'd rather have them reason and write the answers. But I admit that I'm on one extreme on the issue and should move towards flexibility.
Maria Elena, Really interesting to hear. Love the idea of having multiple graders access the same material online. This sounds handy, especially when you are in a pinch and cannot complete grading yourself.
Dr. Melissa Read
