Giving Tests
I think it is important to design tests that reflect the material that you covered in class. I also think it is imporant to design tests that use a combination of formats: multiple choice (I affectionately call this format multiple guess), true and false (aka fifty-fifty), and others. In all seriousness, instructors need to be aware of the principles of test design. In addition, I believe that instructors should do item analysis once students take the test; this will show whether or not there were testing issues that compromised the validity and reliability of test questions.
I think it is important to give the right test for the right situation..
but I also think instructors rely too much upon multiple choice overall.
I think students are better prepared for the real world when they have to provide short paragraphs as answers. Not only does it give the student a chance to identify what they know (especially if they can describe it but not exactly remember names/dates/etc) but it gives them the chance to flesh out their knowledge.
The reason I think it better prepares them though is because in the real world we aren't given multiple choice answers to questions. We are given questions and have to come up with our ideas and present them so that the answer is heard and understood.
Hi Shawn, Thanks for a well written post about the need to challenge our students to think critically . Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
i like giving my student test, but i do it different, i give them a guide for Homework like 50-75 question, then i will ask them 20 question out of them, ususally this way i am sure they read the book
I agree! Using a combination of formats has proven successful in my experience. This gives students the opportunity to succedd even if they are weak in one test taking method, for example the essay format. I utilize a combination of methods to give my students every opportunity to succeed.
I am a fan of combination formats when designing tests for my class. I feel it keeps my students on their toes and thus breaking the monotony of using just one format.
