Like most instructors I use Objective testing at the end of a course or a module. I find that subjective quizzes (short essays or essay questions) are very useful in formative assessment and provide a good opportunity to deliver feedback to the student. Due to class sizes and the administrative deadlines that are placed on the instructor at the end of class, I usually rely on objective measures in final exams. There just is not enough time to grade a large number of subjective tests.
I use a combination of both. I teach the Microsoft Office Suite online so I like to have students create Word, Excel, and PowerPoint projects. I use a rubric to help me grade these as objectively as possible. I also include a multiple choice exam on each software to assess concept knowledge.
revonna,
If you have clear objectives and a clear rubric for grading that does help you in the grade appeal process. The key is to make sure students know your expectations beforehand.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
revonna,
I agree with that. You have to view workload as a part of course design and to think we don't is not reasonable. When you have 200 in an online course you have to look at the most effective way of assessment. (Yes, there are some administrations that allow that many students)
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
revonna,
I think you are right on target on your use of variety of assessment tools. Good job.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Gwenda you are truly correct, I have worked for an institution that dictates how assignments should be graded. In this situation we certainly do not have any control. All the assignments are subjective and it still can become an issue if a grade appeal is presented. Have you had problems in this situation dealing with grade appeals?
Kimberly, do you find yourself taking alot of time grading subjective evaluations and do you feel that the objective evaluations could take less time grading? I think sometimes the time factor may play a role as to which evaluation some instructor would choose. I have know many instructors using the bubble method to grade assignments.
Teaching finance course I do use an objective evaluations and also subjective evaluations. When using objective evaluations I normally would use multiple choice questions, however, I use approximately 70% tests for subjective evaluations. I ask open end questions to allow the students to provide the necessary answers and verify their understanding of finance. Some assigned questions require computations and problem solving. Students are also provided the necessary rubric for grading.
Gwenda,
You have to work within your perimeters; but you have assignments and that is part of assessment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
At one of my schools, we do not get to decide how to evaluate. All online classes required all subjective evaluations. Each student submits 2 written assignments per week.
At one of my other schools, I have more control over the education process (including more control over delivering the content). There, I use a combination of objective and subjective. Students are periodically evaluated using T/F and MC questions (chapter quizzes) and also submit written homework assignmetns. Unit exams are subjective (essay).
In a previous school, I gave 4 exams as evaluation and that included a "take-home" written portion (subjective) and an in-class objective portion.
Robert,
I like how you use the subjective evaluations. It is important to connect the learning and I think you have found a way to do that. Nice job!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I frequently use formative Subjective evaluations. Many times, students require prompts to pause, and digest what was just covered in class. I provide them with the opportunity to create a reflection, in a short essay format, during or near the end of each lesson. It may be considered summative subjective if done at the end of each session as well. These reflections are kept in a log that students can review cumulatively as additional study material prior to larger exams.
Melissa,
You are using the right tools the right way so you can get the information need to determine student learning. Great post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
As with most of the responses, I use a mixture of both. Throughout the term I use smaller objective evaluations to track student understanding. Typically my summative assessment is a subjective evaluation because I feel it allows for students to show a higher level of thinking in and processing of the information thy learned. Most of the time I will provide students with a rubric or the grading criteria prior to giving a subjective evaluation so they are familiar with how they will be evaluated. ~Melissa
Carolyne,
I think that is a great way to use the different ways to assess student learning. You want to know if they "know" and "can do" Great post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I am teaching an online intro to computer course. The course was developed prior to my teaching it. It has objective questions on a test and an application test which is a simulation in which students must apply computer application features to a document. The end-of course (summative) test includes an objective test and an application test where the student must create a document, spreadsheet, and presentation based on specific criteria to show knowledge of the software.
Aubrie,
Nice. You have a assessment routine that helps instructors make adjustments and address issues. That is great!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
In my program, we utilize online quizzes to assess prior knowledge. This is down on a weekly basis. Instructors then evaluate the outcomes of the assessment and adjust their weekly curriculum as needed.
karen,
Great use of evaluations. This type of use also helps with workload.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
i use objective during chats and in announcements..b/c i can provide answers and discussions.
i use more subjective assessments during the week where i can provide qualitative feedback individually to the students.
