Quizzes and Exams
Hi Everyone --
I'd sure like to obtain ideas from other learners in this course about whether you think quizzes and exams are an absolutely necessary graded component of an online course. I see the utility of quizzes as self-assessments and ego-boosters, but I facilitate courses in an environment where, for the most part, quizzes and exams are not used at all for assessment of student learning. The emphasis at this particular institution is on "real-world deliverables" through which students demonstrate their learning by applying their ideas about course material to scenarios, cases, and other types of assignment instructions.
What are your thoughts and experiences on the use of quizzes and exams in online courses?
Thanks in advance for your input,
Debra
Carolyne,
There is something to be said for vocabulary of any subject....very good point!
Shelly Crider
"Real-world deliverables" are sometimes time consuming and, perhaps, difficult to grade in comparison to quizzes and exams. I find that quizzes are great for learning vocabulary and students can take them over and over to get a higher grade. The real-world project should encompass the outcomes of the course with each module leading up to the final project which is unique to the individual. These "exams" are ideal. The generated test questions are easy to use and to grade, which is an option in some cases, but do not measure higher thinking skills.
Cindy,
Self-assessments are important. Students do like instant gratification!
Shelly Crider
The self-assessment is important and I believe needed so the student knows how they are doing from module to module in the course.
Hi Robert: But one of the advantages to quizzes is that it allows the student to self-assess their understanding of the material. To allow a student to retake quizzes also puts the student in control of their own learning. I think this individualized component is missing in many courses today.
Hello Debra,
I definately believe that quizzes and exams do need to be a part of the online courses, however, I have been a part of instructing a course where there wasn't a single exam/quiz (instead there were weekly individual project essays/or a group project, and discussion board assignments. I agree with you that there is utility in giving students exams/quizzes and that there is equal utility in real world deliverables, but perhaps the answer is that there should be a balance of both in the classroom to test student retention of material/content? I look forward to hearing feedback on this.
Carl,
Good point. Quizzes can be timed and can have questions randomized.
Shelly Crider
If quizzes and exams are not part of the assessment then they should be easy enough that every gets a perfect score. This includes letting the quizzes and exams be retaken.
ROBERT,
I so agree!! Let's put more real world scenarios into the people who will be doing the real jobs! Who knows when one of our own students will have to help us out!
Shelly Crider
Hi everyone.
There are many advantages and disadvantages on quizzes. One of the major disadvantages is that they may not translate to real world scenarios.
Debra,
While not absolutely necessary, objective measures over subjective ones warrant consideration. I am in favor of quizzes and exams, but there are rubrics being developed that very well addresss the need for rigor in completing assignments.
I hope that helps!
Doug
Great question, Debra. I also avoid the use of quizzes or exams. I am a writing instructor, so multiple choice quizzes really do not provide me with the information I need about a student's writing ability. I have used quizzes in class to check for grammar understanding, but they rarely count for many points. I think authentic assessment is through real activities, such as those you describe.
Debra,
There is a lot to be said for essays and projects. In real life jobs, we certainly do a lot of projects.
Shelly Crider
