Teaching Strategies: Testing and Grading Issues
Testing and grading are important aspects of course design and implementation. Testing and grading are linked to the learning objectives of a course and provide ways of gauging student learning. The websites in this section address frequently asked questions about this topic, offer suggestions for constructing exams and test items, and describe measurement methods.
Basics of Testing and Measurement
http://www.utexas.edu/academic/cte/sourcebook/tests.pdf
http://www.utexas.edu/academic/cte/sourcebook/grading.pdf
http://www.utexas.edu/academic/cte/sourcebook/grading2.pdf
In addition
to practical advice, the three PDF files provide background information on testing and measurement
(e.g., types of grading systems, purposes of grading) that underlies
good practice in test construction, grading, and evaluation.
Practical Tips for Multiple Choice Tests
These links offer hands-on advice about writing questions and responses
for multiple choice tests, matching questions to content and skills
taught, and analyzing responses to gauge item effectiveness.
Improving Multiple Choice Questions (Kansas State University)
http://www.theideacenter.org/sites/default/files/Idea_Paper_16.pdf
A very clear, concise overview of the advantages and drawbacks of multiple choice questions, along with a step-by-step guide for item construction.Improving Multiple Choice Questions (University of North Carolina)
http://ctl.unc.edu/fyc8.html
Another overview with a more narrative approach to multiple choice question design, this paper also offers a discussion of analyzing questions for the effectiveness and gives examples of questions designed to test higher level thinking skills.
Advice on Essay Tests and Writing Assignments
These links describe ways to construct and react to assignments
based on student written work, including creation of
questions, strategies
for grading,
and ways to respond effectively to student writing.
Improving Essay Tests (Kansas State University)
http://www.theideacenter.org/sites/default/files/Idea_Paper_17.pdf
A good overview of strengths and limitations of essays along with recommendations on when to use them and how to construct questions and grade responses.Writing and Grading Essay Questions (University of North Carolina)
http://ctl.unc.edu/fyc7.html
Considers the validity and reliability issues of essay tests, and presents examples of ways to create essay questions. This paper also gives advice on grading, including advice for courses with multiple sections led by GSIs.Ten Simple Strategies for Grading Writing
http://www.crlt.umich.edu/gsis/P7_1.php
Practical advice for grading student written work effectively and efficiently.Commenting Effectively on Student Writing
http://www.crlt.umich.edu/gsis/P7_2.php
An overview of strategies for giving constructive commentary that will help students improve their writing.