TEACHER MADE TESTS - WHAT I HAVE LEARNED...

This semester I have learned that teacher made tests must show clarity at all times. Students should have no difficulty in reading and following instructions on any teacher made test.

It is very important for me to complete my "Mise En Place" (A French culinary term meaning 'everything in its place"). Mise En Place includes the collection of ingredients, equipment, and making a time plan to complete a task in an efficient and timely manner. Therefore as a teacher I have to make sure my Mise En Place for any test is completed so that my students can complete any test efficiently.

This semester I learned that any teacher made test should have clear directions, all items on test should be arranged in a logical manner; free from overlap. Test items should be clear and free from clues. Test should be numbered in consecutive order - all parts of a test item should be on the same page. There should be a minimum of three types of questions included on a test, for example essay type questions, true or false questions, and fill in the blank questions. The test should be free of spelling and grammar errors. Most important a teacher needs to follow the rules for each type of question. For example use modified type questions for true or false questions. Make sure there are four alternatives in multiple choice questions. There should be space for student name or number, date, and score on the test.

I have learnt so much more than when I started - I feel that I can now write a test at the higher level where my students need to be in terms of the depth of knowledge. All this new data I have and am continually processing will be used to continue writing test that challenge my students and allow them to keep working at higher levels - the end result being students that can think critically and out of the box.