When looking for assessments, I want one that will truly show what a student has learned. Like you, I love multiple-choice tests because they are self-grading, quick to score, and easy to get in the grade book. They allow for instant feedback.
However, these tests don’t always show what a student knows. Multiple-choice tests are great for quick assessments to guide instruction, but I want something more concrete at the end of a unit.
One way to get a good idea of what students know and to reduce the stress of test-taking, use a question and answer assessment.
What is a question and answer assessment?
For this type of assessment, it takes a little prep (but not much) to prepare the test. The teacher will need to create or use an already made resource. Once you have the resource you want to use (a video, a reading, etc.), create questions. I usually use about 8 – 12 questions depending on the length of the resource I am using and the level of students I am working with. Of course, it can be more or less.
Now that you have the questions, create an answer bank. If you have 10 questions have 15 – 20 options for the answers. Make sure the answers you are using can be used to answer the questions you are asking. For example, if you are learning countries and you want to ask which country the person went to second on their vacation, have options for multiple countries on your answer list.
Write all of the questions and answers in English.
Why use this type of assessment?
You may ask yourself why use this type of assessment. Isn’t it the same as a multiple-choice test but more time to grade? The short answer is no. If the questions and answer bank are well written, students will have to show understanding of the content by selecting the correct response. This type of test requires understanding but also a higher level of thinking than a multiple choice test. As for grading, if you have an answer key, grading goes quickly since all of the answers will be written exactly the same.
So why should you use this type of assessment?
- shows what a student understands
- takes the guessing out of the answers (4 options vs 20)
- forces students to truly focus on the content and what is being said
- reduces stress during the test
Question and answer match-up does not have to be an assessment. It can be used as a class activity, group work, or a sub-day lesson if you have time to prepare it beforehand. Just remember if it is group work and the students are not completing the work on their own, this is not an assessment. It is practice.
Get Social
If you have questions, let’s talk in the Creative ASL Teaching Facebook group. Join the conversation in our Facebook group.
Don’t miss out on a sale, FREEBIE, or new product. Follow Creative ASL Teaching on TpT.
Check out the teacher swag on Etsy.
