KSDE,Question-Linda

Linda -Nixon
Thank you! This will be an invaluable tool when I am creating tests. From reading the Nixon assignment, I learned so much. The idea that writing tests will be one of the most challenging tasks I will face was true, but after reading this I feel more confident and will use it to assist me in the future. I read that 48% of teachers had no training in the construction of tests and yet testing is so vital to what we do. I myself am not a great test taker. I had anxiety and second guessed myself constantly, making myself a wreck when it came time for an exam.

I like the line that well designed tests motivate students and reinforce learning. I also agree with the suggestion to vary the level of difficulty throughout the tests. If a few answers are easier then the student will not feel so anxious. The suggestion to give tests often would have helped me a great deal by lessening the anxiety and being able to prepare properly without the surprise factor. The six general test taking tips on page 12 were useful and great to keep in mind when giving a test as well, remembering the students point of view. The number of useful tips in the site are many-put questions on cards after lecturing to compose relative questions, make sure they know what will be tested, provide feedback so they appreciate what they have or have not learned. I wish a few of my teachers would have done a better job of this. Having students construct their own test-I like this idea, good for review and good for suggested questions for the "real" exam.
An additional point I found interesting was the comment that the more subject matter a student knows the easier it is to make arguments in favor of answers that the teacher might regard as wrong.