The best argument I have heard for including at least some
multiple choice questions is "that's what they see on standardized
tests". So I will probably have some on each test. I will try to
make them similar to those assessment questions.

I honestly don't think administration is going to care. I mean...
wouldn't they LIKE more thinking questions and less multiple
choice? I doubt they would even notice the difference.

Yes, parents are highly educated and there are a few helipcopter
parents. I don't see that as being a problem. Our parents are
very supportive.

I have:
40 percent tests
30 percent labs (yep I teach science)
20 percent quizzes (open note)
10 percent homework.

I am generally willing to work with students with an IEP. If any
of them really 'need' multiple choice type tests, I can have them
use old tests or the test generating software is easy to use.

I think the only people who will flouder are those who 'cheat'
regularly. I really don't want that going on in my class but it
seems in this day and age with all the technology, etc. I can't
trust anyone.

I guess I am thinking that because it's a new year, I'll just
start things out this way. I don't see any reason to take it
slowly. For some of these kids the shock of the first test
being 'different' will be good for them. Of course, I really
don't know what tests in other subjects look like. It may not
really be that different.

I am eager for school to start!

zodea

On 7/10/08, aggie'swife wrote:
> You may want to also consider that "safety net" for lack of a
> better description.
>
> Considerations:
> Administration - are they supportive?
> Parents -- helicopter??? highly educated? Like to argue???
> Grade determination --- what is the total combination?
>
> Perhaps it would be good to take into consideration those that
> don't do well on essays (which can be considered subjective) and
> have a mix of multiple choice (objective) and the essays. It may
> be less of a headache to you in the long run and you will still
> achieve your goal.
>
>
>
> On 7/10/08, MelissafromVA wrote:
>> I did that this year in my high school gov't class. I really
>> loved the change. Some of the students (the harder working
>> ones mostly) also loved it, because it lowered the
>> possibility of cheating quite a bit. Of course, some of my
>> students complained, but their reasons were "The test is
>> harder now!" so I can't really validate that!
>>
>> I was concerned that grading would be difficult and time
>> consuming, but it really didn't take all that much longer.
>> The biggest benefit was that I could see exactly which
>> concepts certain students did not understand. For example,
>> in a test over Congress a student might complete the
>> requirement chart correctly, but mix up the "How a bill
>> becomes a law" chart.
>>
>> Give it a try! You can always go back. You could also slowly
>> incorporate the short answer questions (fewer and fewer
>> multiple choice at a time, more short answer.)
>> -MelissafromVA
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On 7/09/08, zodea wrote:
>>> How often do you change things in your classes? For
>>> instance, next year will be my fourth year teaching
>>> chemistry. I am moving to more open ended essay type
>>> questions than multiple choice questions.
>>>
>>> I think these types of questions will make students think
>>> more and make cheating more difficult. Mostly I just want
>> a
>>> change.
>>>
>>> I'm just curious if this is normal or if I should stick to
>>> tried and true methods.
>>>
>>> zodea

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