Nov 22 2008
My First Test
On Friday I gave my first test. I know that might sound weird to some people (epecially math). But I haven’t given a test all year. My 8th graders are now reading The Outsiders and my mentor teacher and I decided to give a test. Usually the students just have to read and complete in-class activities and complete a reading packet. But since so much of The Outsiders reading is being assigned as homework we needed to make sure that the students were actually reading.
I started to grade the tests yesterday and it was reassuring to see that many students are reading and comprehending. So in that respect the tests were great. But the test, a pre-made one, had multiple choice questions that were kind of misleading. Actually so misleading that when I was making the key I had to check with my mentor teacher on a few of the answers. I don’t think this is good. I’ve decided that I really don’t like multiple choice, fill in the blank, or true/false questions. Why would I want my students taking a test that I myself dislike? I don’t think I will ever use a pre-made test again. I really prefer short answer and essay questions that I compose myself. I mean it is nice to be able to check that the students are reading but I think there are better ways to do that.
Sara
2 responses so far
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I agree, pre-made tests are usually crap. But the way I’ve figured out how to still use them (because it IS less work, ya know), is to do the Bob thing. I’ll decide how many of the questions I really hate and then subtract that from the total (or just add one to half–so 8 out of 14), and then grade out of that. I let the students answer them all if they like and (since there’s no extra credit) grade, at most, 8 out of 8. The ones who get them ALL (14) get something special–like a sticker.
Of course I only use them as quizzes. But it works for that.
Dunno. Just rambling.
Hope you have a great Monday
Congrats on your first test! Yeah, as a math person, I have given many, but I can see how someone would not want to or feel it may not be necessary. I totally agree with your assessment of mulitple choice tests though. I just gave a test/quiz with 5 essat questions and the students had to choose 2 to answer. I got really great responses and felt like I had a better understanding of what the students knew using that format. Funny, cuz I just had a conversation about multiple choice tests with a guy who teaches at Thurston now who I graduated high school with. He said he started out like us, not liking the multiple choice format, but after a few years, he realized it was easier. Hrm…I hope I don’t feel like that in a few years. I hope I want to do what is best for the students and their learning. Its easy for me to say now becuase I am only teaching 2 classes. Anywho, keep up the good work Sara and follow your heart. You are right, giving the students a test your wouldn’t like yourself probably isn’t in their best interests. You rock!!