Testing...1,2,3....

Multiple choice tests are probably the most common types of tests in grades 6 through 12, and for good reason too. Students like them for the 25% or higher chance of getting a question correct, based on how much they have prepared for the exam. For teachers they are easy to grade and not too difficult to put together. As we begin our Flipped Classroom project in AEDU 209, the topic of creating multiple choice exams was talked about since we'll be having to do so for our project. The readings we were given on how to make good multiple choice exams were interesting as well. One question that comes to mind for me, is the effectiveness of multiple choice exams as compared to the effectiveness of short answer and essay exams.

During my years as a traditional undergraduate student, I've experience many different teaching and testing styles, having attended three different institutions. My first two institutions were the University of Illinois- Chicago (UIC) and Moraine Valley Community College (MVCC). In my first two years of college the types of exams that were primarily used were multiple choice. It could also be argued that multiple choice was utilized because I was in entry level classes. At my third institution, Monmouth College, I rarely ever saw a multiple choice test. The lion's share of my exams used short answer and essay. Maybe it was because I was in upper level science courses at Monmouth. As I venture into the field of education, this question comes to mind: What test is best: Essay or Multiple Choice?

Both have their own benefits and disadvantages. Multiple choice exams may take a little longer to create but they are quicker to score and allow students some leniency in case their preparation was lacking. Essay questions have no mercy on a student who isn't well prepared (I've been there...) and are very subjective when it comes to grading. Another downside of grading essay exams is Grading Bias. Though many teachers do not like to admit it, the way they feel about certain students can be reflected on the way they grade their papers. I've had professors tell me that they make sure to cover up all the names on exams while grading, to avoid this.

To wrap up, I guess there is no one superior way to test your students. Being that I'm striving to become a science teacher for grades 6-12, multiple choice may be the way to go. My professors at my previous institutions, UIC and MVCC, may have been on to something when they made the majority of their tests multiple choice.

To all of my readers: feel free to comment on the post. I'd love to hear your inputs and thoughts on the matter!

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