I do agree with using a testing model with use of a scantron. Because the students will always want possible bonus questions -I will incorporate essay questions there.
Hi Nick , I do the same as you have just mentioned. I just started incorporating matching and fill in the gap in my test and exams, I see a lot of students struggling with spellings after I started this testing method.
I use a scantron for quizzes and tests and we review the homework in class. The module just reinforced my practice.
Rita, Excellent! Sounds like you have developed an official process and one that is working well for you. Keep it up!
Dr. Melissa Read
I am already using the formats recommended for both exams and homework. I am considering using online exams some in the future to create and grade exams more efficiently.
Teaching writing classes, not classes that are based in learning terminology or core words, does not really lend to anything but essays. I do use the technique for having students grade one another's homework in class; this strategy helps save a lot of time.
Tammy, Online exams are great. They do a lot more than help with grading efficiency, they also help give the students more instant feedback. This aids in their learning.
Dr. Melissa Read
Maybe use more multiple choice questions or have a answer key thats fits.
I use matching, fill-in-the-blank, and multiple choice formats when creating homework and quizzes for my classes. Now, if I am teaching a class that involves writing and higher order thinking, then I will implement short answer questions. The only time I would require an essay type of homework or assessment is if I was teaching an English class. I do want to note that in the learning module, it stated that when grading homework a teacher could have students grade each other's papers while the teacher goes over the homework. Unfortunately, I do believe that FERPA laws do not allow an educator to do this because it violates the privacy of the students. Any thoughts?
Robert Inman
Adjunct Instructor
I like to give a mixture of streamlined material that is easily graded, along with material that focuses on the foundational concepts that are key in reaching the goals outlined in the class.
Benjamin, That sounds like a balanced approach. It's important to streamline grading for efficiency while also maintaining the ability to deeply test knowledge.
Dr. Melissa Read
I plan on using some of the websites mentioned in this module. EasyTestMaker.com seems very useful and will save time.
I do not use many essay exams either because of the time it takes to grade. I really like the idea of underlining or highlighting the important concepts! Trying this new method, I am going to incorporate more essay questions with my multiple choice and true/false exams.
Cynthia, I'm glad to hear you'll be exploring this new approach for you. I can't tell you how helpful underlining and highlighting has been for me and my fellow instructors. What's wonderful is that it's great for our students too, allowing them to really focus on the most important parts of their answers.
Dr. Melissa Read
Many home work assignments will be discussed and graded during class as a class. I can see this will save a great amount of time.
I have my students write complete essay exams in a class that requires them to screen material and analyze it.
I believe I can be much more specific with the writing of my questions and can also requires the students to Identify key terms (in bold) in their typed responses.
I don't have many quizzes in my studio classes so I am wondering how can I go about cutting down the time it takes to grade projects that have a specific duration (a video program that takes 5 min. to watch, then it needs to be watched over again).
As it is now I make sure to have the rubric handy during the initial presentation and subsequent critique of work; I use this to jot down notes and specific time code to review only portions of the programs. Although I feel this cuts down some time I still find myself having to watch projects over and over to fully evaluate them.
thoughts?
I enjoyed the idea of underlining the main points of the essay and the questions. I tend to do primarily essay and discussion style assignments to gauge comprehension and applicable knowledge. I once taught a class of 300 and tried to essay exams....that was INSANE! I quickly switched to electronic testing as a means of stopping the 4 days of grading.
I have conformed to administering my quizzes and exams online, for the most part. For the final exam, I do have a few short answer questions that I ask, however I ask them to either list, define, or briefly describe very specific subjects that were "pinpointed" through out the term. On the math portion of their exam, I ask that the students show all of their work and circle or draw a square around the final answer, so that I can quickly and easily find it. This saves me a lot time, as well as gives me the opportunity to see if they fully understand the material that has been covered, or if not, what areas they may need additional help with.
My exams/quizzes will be developed before the term begins and will be administered online. This will allow more time by having them all created in advance for the current term as well as future terms. Multiple choice and true/false formats are efficient and work well with my current curricula. If the subject matter changes, I will re-evaluate whether to continue this format or may have to utilize essay questions. I will embrace technology for the benefit of myself and my students.
I think it would be best to split the homework and exams into fast grading and hands-on grading - similar to the 50% computerisation suggestion discussed in the module.
This allows for fast and simple grading for things that are general knowledge in the subject - but has more indepth focus on skills which are not as easily defined as right or wrong.
