As Thanksgiving is coming around the corner, finals week is right behind it. As a senior in college, I know finals week too well. I've battled and survived six semesters and six finals weeks. I know what's coming. I know that I will be stressing out, reciting definitions and terms in the shower, walking and studying index cards at the same time and wishing I began studying weeks in advance.
That routine has yet to change for me. Another thing that hasn't changed for me, is my loathing of cumulative tests. I know it's always voiced, but I truly feel that cummulative tests do not effectively measure my knowledge on a subject. I don't see the point in learning all semester and then being handed a 50 question multiple choice test.
Like many others, I have test anxiety. Even if I studied day and night for a week, I don't think I would be able to successfully answer every question right on a test. I get nervous, my palms sweat and I can feel my heartbeat racing when I sit down and flip through a six page test.
I love being handed a test that offers short answer or an essay portion. For me, being able to explain myself and explain what I'm thinking is much more effective for me. I can convey what I've learning easier than trying to deduce the answer from four given answers.
I know that multiple choice works for some students, but I also know I'm not alone in the essay department. I think that professors should offer a choice or offer both options. I'm not sure if that's even possible, but I would love to be able to walk into a test and feel confident that I can explain my train of thought rather than be drilled with questions and given four possible answers that often seem like a trick. #college
I so agree. I too have terrible test anxiety. It doesn't matter how much I study, There is always that question that I draw a blank on and then sets the mood for panic. The only test I do very well on are those that have good study guides and put on test what is on the study guide!
ReplyDeleteI think giving students a choice between an essay or multiple choice test would work great actually. It would give students a chance to shine with what they know best. Whether it be they memorized everything from the whole semester or can answer one question effectively because they know that one topic, it gives everyone a fair chance.
ReplyDeleteNothing worst than reading the first question in a multiple choice exam and not knowing the answer. It makes you panic without fail. Although I do think multiple choices are sometimes helpful, having a whole test rely on multiple choice only is not effective.
ReplyDelete