Preparation:
What preparation is needed by the teacher and by
the student to do this activity?
As with most online activities, I find that summative assessment
activities require more up-front preparation of students than
do f2f (face-to-face) activities, but that later in the term
they require less effort than f2f activities. “Train them
well and they will not depart from it”.
As teacher, I prepare by reviewing the testing process I intend
to use. I must do this each semester for online classes as changes
happen regularly.
My guiding principle is to reduce surprises whether it is testing
or projects.
Overview for Tests
I prepare students in my syllabus for my testing process (e.g.,
Testing Centers) by giving them an overview of requirements
and procedures. Having tried a variety of methods for assessment
(random selection of items on timed tests taken at home, finding
their own proctors) I have settled on using the Testing Centers
because it eliminates technology breakdowns and home interruptions
and much trauma. I start them early (4 weeks before the test)
in figuring out the Testing Center system and am reassuring
about the process. I also never change my test dates from the
scheduled ones at the start of the term. A week or so before
the test I give my students a copy of my actual test instructions
and my honesty questions.
Test Process for Testing Center
There isn’t enough space to go through the process in
detail, but basically, I create an online test with password.
I also make a paper copy of the test. I provide the password
and paper copy to Correspondence Study and to our Testing Center.
CS forwards it to other testing sites. Most sites can handle
computer testing.
Students must register in advance and off campus there may
be a fee for the proctoring. On campus students may take the
test through the Testing Center (email Sharon.Ercey@wku.edu
to make arrangements. Hours vary a bit from term to term, mostly
weekdays) or through Correspondence Study (http://www.wku.edu/reachu/
and click on the link for signing up for an exam. Hours M-F
8-2 and 1st Saturday of the month). Students who can’t
come to campus also go to the Correspondence Study website and
can select a Testing Center close to them. The sooner students
sign up, the better, since sites have a limited number of persons
who can take the test simultaneously. It is important that you
personally visit the local Centers and read through the instructions
yourself so it is clear to you what is happening.
Overview for Projects
For projects, I provide from the first day of the term: a) instructions
b) samples at several levels of performance, clearly marked
as such, and c) scoring rubrics. (For help making rubrics, see
http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php).
I also break the project into several stages over the course
of the term. (This is for junior-senior classes).
My online classes are required classes (Tests and Measurement
and Abnormal Psychology) so the anxiety level and motivation
to get a passing grade by any means are high. For this kind
of class, a higher level of security makes sense as a means
of protecting the integrity of the course.
Discussion Question:
What factors will you consider in making your choice for assessment
approach (type of students? Of class? Etc.) ?
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