The Scholarship of Evaluating Student Learning
Abstract
A frequent challenge for faculty is to write a test that effectively evaluates learning and prepares students to be successful in their particular field of study. Although there are various modes of evaluating student learning, multiple-choice tests remain one of the primary methods utilized by college professors. Many professors rely on test banks that come with textbooks, but they should not be accepted without some critique. There is an art to writing test questions, and each component of the questions should be carefully chosen. This presentation will identify the various components of test items and examine ways to improve each component. Examples of poor test items and how they can be improved will be shared. Reading and using an item analysis will also be presented so that reliability of individual test items and the test as a whole can be determined. Ways to improved test reliability will also be presented.
Location
Concourse
Recommended Citation
McGahee, Thayer, "The Scholarship of Evaluating Student Learning " (2010). SoTL Commons Conference. 65.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/sotlcommons/SoTL/2010/65
The Scholarship of Evaluating Student Learning
Concourse
A frequent challenge for faculty is to write a test that effectively evaluates learning and prepares students to be successful in their particular field of study. Although there are various modes of evaluating student learning, multiple-choice tests remain one of the primary methods utilized by college professors. Many professors rely on test banks that come with textbooks, but they should not be accepted without some critique. There is an art to writing test questions, and each component of the questions should be carefully chosen. This presentation will identify the various components of test items and examine ways to improve each component. Examples of poor test items and how they can be improved will be shared. Reading and using an item analysis will also be presented so that reliability of individual test items and the test as a whole can be determined. Ways to improved test reliability will also be presented.
