1.Surveys & TestsBest Practices
Colleen KellyEDU 652

2. Goals Before you begin
Ask Yourself
Tests
What are the learning objectives?
Surveys
What information is needed?
3. To create a good test or survey
Relevancy
Why are you testing/surveying?
Accuracy
Are questions valid and timely?
4. Relevancy
Do NOT test just to test
Information is needed to move forward
Reinforce or measure learning
Motivate to learn more
Application of learned material
5. Accuracy
Is test given in a timely manner?
Do learners know the information you are asking?
Do questions align with objectives?
6. Questions
Keep it clear
Use known vocabulary
Use positive phrasing
Avoid leading questions
7. Question Types
True/False
Multiple Choice (Pick One)
Multiple Choice (Pick Multiple)
Fill-in-the Blanks
Matching List
Sequence
Composition
Performance
8. Question Sequencing - How and where you place questions matters
Start with easier questions and build
Ask more than one question about a related item or topic
Enable navigation
Vary to prevent boredom
Question type
Correct answer
Use predictable pattern
9. Feedback
When possible, grade the results yourself
Know where learners made mistakes
Know what further learning needs to be achieved
10. Feedback (cont.)
Provide the correct answer and why its correct
Dont leave learners guessing
Gives opportunity for learning
Helps learners make connections
11. Feedback (cont.)
Break it to me Gently
Use neutral terminology like incorrect
Do not embarrass or insult learners
Acknowledge partial success
12. Feedback (cont.)
Provide timely feedback
After each question
If scored by computer, provide at the end
Too long of wait makes results irrelevant
Learners have moved on
Give 48 hour turnaround
13. Results Processing
Monitor results throughout testing period
Ask for feedback by including a comments section
Setting the passing score
Get experts to review your test or survey
Use a test group
Define a passing grade scale and explain it upfront
14. Summary
Test/survey for the right reasons
Relevancy and Accuracy are important elements
Use the right type of questions to get desired information
How and where you place questions matters
Provide timely feedback
Provide grading information upfront