Writing Better Tests

1
Writing Better Tests

• OR
• Being testy with your students!

2
WHY TEST ?

• Have they mastered the content
• This is only ONE way of evaluating learning
• NOT to bring pain and suffering to their lives
• (Contrary to popular beliefs)

3
Test several levels of learning
OR Let your tests BLOOM !
Evaluation
Synthesis
Analysis
Application
Comprehension
Knowledge
4
Use several types of questions

• OR
• Don't put all their eggs in one basket.
• Consider
• Level of Learning
• Item Types
• Method of Scoring
• Number of Students

5
True/False Items

• Factual statements that are either true or
  false.
• Can measure all levels of learning
• If premise and conclusion, premise should be
  true and conclusion either true or false
• (Because there was no bridge, they crossed the
  river in a boat.)
• Dont write trick statements

6
Multiple Choice Items

• A statement consisting of a premise/stem with
  several possible conclusions (options), of which
  only one is true (usually).

7
Multiple Choice Items

• Provide 4 or more options
• List options vertically
• Randomize position of correct options
• Use all of these except sparingly.

8
Matching Items

• Two factual lists where each item in one list can
  be matched with an item in the other list
• If options can only be used once, have more
  options than premises

9
Matching Items

• Do not exceed 15 matches unless options can be
  used more than once then limit number of options
• Directions should clearly state whether options
  can be used only once or repeatedly

10
Short Answer Items

• Questions that can be answered with up to one
  short paragraph.
• Dont use just for listings

11
Essay Items

• Questions that need answers which are longer than
  one paragraph.
• Limit use according to time allowed and number of
  items on the test
• Have a specific answer in mind and divide points
  among content you are looking for

12
Construction Considerations
OR Build it and they will take it

• Number ALL items consecutively
• Use only two or three types of item formats

13
Construction Considerations
OR Build it and they will take it

• Include general directions and directions for
  each item format
• Do not divide an item between two pages

14
Construction Considerations
OR Build it and they will take it

• The entire matching set should be on the same
  page
• Clearly state value of items (by set or
  individually)

15
Whats your best?

• Whats the best excuse youve ever heard about
  why a student did not do well on your test?
• Mine
• I studied for hours but you asked the questions
  in the wrong order.