R. Craig Collins >Common > How To: Testing

How To: Testing © R. Craig Collins, 2007

Link to D2L, to take tests

1. Make sure you go over the review material... you may submit the review for instructor's feedback
   
2. Take the practice test in D2L, to see how they work
   
3. There is no such thing as a multiple choice job interview, expect the tests to include fewer multiple choice questions and more fill in the blank and short essay questions as the semester progresses.
   (The test material isn't harder, but I expect you to be able to supply more information)
   
4. Look over the entire test before you begin answering questions
5. Read the question thoroughly before answering;
   some fill in the blank questions may specify a choice of answers;
   some questions specify using a single word, tag, or command.
   Part of the real world is following directions...please don't expect me to give you credit because you didn't follow directions
6. Save your answers by clicking the disk icon.
   If the save button doesn't work, verify you are submitting the appropriate type of answer... such as numbers instead of letters for matching.
   
7. If the answer still will not save, IMMEDIATELY close the quiz WITHOUT submitting.
   Return to the quiz and choose Continue Quiz.
   
   

   For tests I am trying to see how much of all the material you are retaining, so the test by design covers a very broad area with fairly deep coverage; I consider it both an assessment and a learning opportunity… trying to let us both see what you have mastered, and what you may need a little more work on… So, as with the SAT, you are not expected to make a perfect grade on my tests; below is how I make the test grades fair

   
   
8. Typos are auto-graded as incorrect. If the computer operation in the real world wouldn't accept an instruction or command, the test won't either.
   Note: I do manually review each test, and award credit where appropriate (I can't foresee all valid responses)
9. Resist the urge to change the answer to a question unless you realize you misread the question, or another question reminds you of the correct answer; often (but not always) your first choice is the correct choice
10. Questions that include the word DISCUSS imply I am looking for more than two or three words. Be thorough, but no need to be long winded
11. Short answer/short essay are marked incorrect immediately after taking the test... I will manually review each test, and add back in points.
    
12. After taking the test, you will have the opportunity to review the questions... recall, the grade shown is not valid until the tests are reviewed by me. The class will be notified when the grades are correct.
    
13. The highest grade in the class sets the curve mark... if the highest test grade is a 97, everyone gets 3 points added as the curve
14. If the majority of students miss a question, I will often determine the question was bad, and not count it against you, but still award points for those who got it right.
    
15. If you do poorly on a test, recall from the syllabus and appendix that the lowest test score can be improved if you do well on that section of the final.
    
16. The final exam is basically taking the same three tests again... so review your individual test study guides, and review your tests in D2L.
17. To look over a previously taken test in D2L, choose the Quizzes area, select the test, then go to the submissions tab.