types of tests...

[Jared]

Allright of course I know that we would all love to have true/false or multiple choice on every test...

But that's not the question, the question is which format works best for you?

I've always dreaded long essay tests though I had never had one until this semester....:-)

This semester I'm taking an airport Management class where the prof makes all the tests long essay, and requires that your answer be basically the same as your notes from class...ie word for word...

After the first test I felt terrible, I thought for sure that I had gotten a max. of 30-40% right on the test...

Well week later I got the test back and I had managed to get a 90%...

We took the second test in that class today and I've got to say that I feel pretty confident in the score that I shall recieve, but only time will tell...

perhaps one could say that I've conquered my fear of long essay tests...

[ChuckMajik]

Going with multiple choice on this one.

As for essay tests, I don't mind them.
It's just that I have a bad habit of rambling on and on.

[Politically Incorrect]

Going with multiple choice on this one.

As for essay tests, I don't mind them.
It's just that I have a bad habit of rambling on and on.

Agree, I too never liked the essays, I have the problem of knowing what exactly it is I want to say but can never seem to explain myself to others, I have a difficult time making my point in a way for others to understand.
That can easily be proven by reading any of my posts!

As a matter of fact I think the above makes that point

[Hagar]

Fortunately I no longer have to take tests. I'm not sure which is the best method as far as testing knowledge is concerned. There's far more qualified people around to answer that. Multiple choice makes it easier for the examiner & student alike but unless you have to qualify your choice with a brief explanation as to why you chose the answer it becomes more like a lottery. With a simple true or false option you have a 50% chance of getting the answer right, even if you know nothing about the subject. I think this devalues the test to a point where there's not much point in taking it.

One example is the latest A Level results in the UK. A large percentage of those taking them received an A grade, the highest possible. I can't believe that education has improved that much in a few years so am forced to conclude the exam is easier now than it was in my day. If everyone has the same top grade there's no longer a way to identify the outstanding students from those who barely passed at less than 50%. This makes the whole thing ridiculous. You might as well not bother taking the exam. IMHO

PS. No offence to anyone taking or passing A Levels recently. I know how hard you have to work & it's the education policy I'm talking about, not you.

[C]

Simple explanation of some of the reason - much of my 1998-2000 Maths A-level syllabus content was contained in my sisters early 1980s O-Level Maths textbooks...

Charlie

[Hagar]

Simple explanation of some of the reason - much of my 1998-2000 Maths A-level syllabus content was contain in my sisters early 1980s O-Level Maths textbooks...

Charlie

Thanks Charlie. I think that proves my point.

[ozzy72]

None of them as I still have to mark them no matter what Mutter mutter curse mutter damn prepositions test mutter curse grumble!

[ATI_7500]

Multiple choice sucks,because it's far too easy.

Goin' for essays on this one.

[Delta_]

Simple explanation of some of the reason - much of my 1998-2000 Maths A-level syllabus content was contained in my sisters early 1980s O-Level Maths textbooks...

Charlie

I did A-level maths, and can agree to some extent, but most of it is stuff they do in first year uni, and stuff that used to be really advanced stuff done in Uni in the 70s.  Like matrix algorithyms are done at A-level now.  

I study Aerospace Engineering at Uni, and most examples i get can be done easily with my A-level maths knowledge.  People say A-levels are carp, to some extent that is true, but they do set you up for Uni very nicely.

[Tequila Sunrise]

To be honest I hate essays but theye are the most effective in guaging abiity IMHO, that reminds me I've got one due in about a week on fuel management systems

[Iroquois]

I'd have to say essay. I've always done well on those. Multiple choice sucks because they always have two answers that are both sort of right to throw you off.  :P

Any test with math on it, I'm sure to do poorly. I hate math.

[Delta_]

yeah but in the 70's they wern'r doing any of it with calculators  8)

There are quite a few questions on the exam where using a calculator is not allowed/you lose marks.  For example using logs, e, ln etc..

A grade A-level maths students have respect for their ability as a human calculator (or at least at my school it was), the mental arithmatic required is quite strong.  Relying on a calculator to give you the correct answer is an assumption, and we all know the saying.

Also lots of complex equation rearrange, linking/ substituting is required, and this can not be done with a calculator

[Tequila Sunrise]

granted, but up here they give you seperate papers one which a calculator is permitted and one which you'll be failed on if you have one  ::)

[Jared]

yeah, here they give you one test that will requre a calculator, and then sometimes you can't use it...

usually never have pages like others are suggesting...:-)

[FLYING_TRUCKER]

I chose essay however I am referring to an oral examination if you like.

The reason being my last five years as a Chief Pilot prior to retirement all check rides were conducted in the air.  There were briefings and de-briefings, however all Line Captains should be able to instruct and rate their first officers on their performance while carrying out their flying duties.
This system keeps the Captains up to date and passes valuable experience and knowledge down the line.
The majority of educated people can write an essay, however to take that written information and pass it on that another can utilise that information immediately is the test of a teacher or instructor.
That is my opinion folks

Cheers....Happy Landings....Doug