Questions tagged [testing]
For questions about giving students written tests, typically in a classroom setting.
2
votes
3answers
132 views
How to give a good Geometry test? [closed]
Generally, in a Geometry test, you'd need to test proofs (Prove that triangle XYZ and ABC are congruent).
On the other hand, proofs depends depends on theorems which depend on postulates, which are ...
7
votes
0answers
143 views
Are there standard questions for testing how an instructor grades calculus?
My institution is now in the process of "standardizing" our calculus classes. One issue we have is the variation among instructors in grading problems. I am interested if there are ways to objectively ...
30
votes
12answers
10k views
What is the mathematical value of children learning and being tested on Roman numerals?
My 11 year old child recently took an important numeracy test. One of the questions required her to know that M = 1000 in Roman numerals. This made me very angry: I could not see how this relatively ...
6
votes
1answer
292 views
Test of level of a student for secondary school
I am looking for a test, paper based, execution time less than one hour, for an initial assessment of the math knowledge level of a secondary school student.
I need to evaluate, very approximately, ...
10
votes
5answers
2k views
Software for randomizing multiple choice tests
I would like to give multiple choice tests with randomized questions and order of the answers that is unique for each test, to be printed and given on paper sheets. Is there a software that would do ...
4
votes
3answers
131 views
Recommended setting for studying
My 13 year old son is scheduled to take Algebra I next year, and this amounts to skipping one year of math. To prepare for that he has been leaning the material that he is skipping over the summer. I ...
12
votes
2answers
208 views
How do you incorporate the results from a final exam into evidence of learning in a valid and justifiable way (i.e. grade determination)?
How do you incorporate the results from a final exam into evidence of learning in a valid and justifiable way (i.e. grade determination)?
This question is open to all education levels.
What is your ...
7
votes
2answers
170 views
Paper on Replicating Test Questions
I recall reading a paper a few years ago (though I think it was in physics) on a class where they decided to repeat a midterm test question on the final exam and students performed noticeably worse on ...
15
votes
5answers
2k views
Evidence showing that returning tests helps students
My kids (12, 14) attend a school in the US in which the mathematics department has a policy of not returning tests to the kids.
I have very strong feelings about this (I think it is an obviously bad ...
14
votes
3answers
239 views
How to measure the understandability of a proof?
Is there a way to measure the understandability of a proof? From a search in the internet I have only found methods for measuring the understandability of software or tests for measuring the ...
6
votes
2answers
234 views
Are there automatic solution checkers?
Suppose I would like to make a maths test that one can do by computer and that can be automatically checked by computer.
Question: Is there some automatic theorem prover that can check the proofs ...
22
votes
8answers
1k views
What are the historical reasons for the hostility against standardized testing in the US?
NB. Some answers appear to be for a question I did not ask, namely, "Why is standardized testing bad?" Indeed, these answers tend to underscore the premise of my actual question, which can be found ...
12
votes
1answer
787 views
elementary level assessment tools
I'm looking for an assessment tool to ability group 4th and 5th grade students, in particular setting a "top" group. This group would receive more enrichment, less practice on concepts and a faster ...
8
votes
2answers
2k views
Test Correction Analysis
In hopes of helping my students practice and deepen their understanding of math knowledge, I wanted to bring up the topic of a test correction analysis - I didn't find much on this topic when I ...
19
votes
2answers
554 views
Handing out $2 calculators for tests?
In a store last weekend, I saw a simple solar-powered calculator for $2. It had four functions plus a square root key. I'm considering the possibility of buying 50 such calculators and handing them ...
12
votes
4answers
1k views
Tutor: How to deal with meddling parent?
I am currently tutoring a student for the Integrated Algebra regents, and he's really doing great.
It's his father that bothers me.
He does do some math (he's an accountant or actuary of some sort),...
21
votes
2answers
550 views
Exam philosophy
I'm curious if anyone knows of any books, studies, or other resources on the philosophy of creating and grading mathematics exams. After working as a graduate TA for 4 years and dealing with a wide ...
5
votes
4answers
1k views
Should tests given after the drop date be made less difficult in order to help the remaining students raise their grades? [closed]
It is that time of the semester again (after the final drop date) and my colleagues and I are once again having the discussion on whether or not the two remaining tests should be made so they are less ...
17
votes
5answers
2k views
How much memorization should be required in a first-semester calculus course?
To me, first-semester calculus is a "big ideas" course, whereas second-semester calculus is about a certain bag of tricks. How much memorization is it appropriate to require in the first semester?
If ...
8
votes
2answers
244 views
What to do if an exam takes longer than intended?
This question is inspired by How can I estimate the length of an exam. It is not always possible to accurately predict how long an exam will take. As such,
What should one do if an exams looks to be ...
13
votes
4answers
306 views
How can I encourage my students to team work?
I have a motto, "My class is not an Olympic swimming pool! It is a museum full of the masterwork paintings! Relax and enjoy all of this mathematical beauty which I am drawing on the blackboard!"
By ...
13
votes
4answers
920 views
What are effective alternatives to a written math exam to evaluate knowledge?
Some students do not do well under pressure or testing situations and cannot demonstrate their knowledge of a math subject with a written exam. On the other hand, I think that students that do not ...
37
votes
6answers
7k views
How can I estimate the length of an exam?
Background: I am fairly new at teaching, and in every subject I have taught, I have had difficulty estimating the length and difficulty of an exam. I need to write an exam for a university senior-...
18
votes
4answers
298 views
Multiple Solutions Methods vs. Encouraging a Particular Approach
It happens frequently in math that problems have multiple possible solutions. This might become troublesome, e.g. when students use some other approach, hence, not learning the current topic.
One ...
37
votes
12answers
5k views
Formula sheets and books during tests and exams
Some teachers make memorizing formulas, definitions and others things obligatory, and forbid "aids" in any form during tests and exams. Other allow for writing down more complicated expressions, ...
16
votes
3answers
360 views
Implementing oral exams
In the USA most mathematics undergraduate classes seem to base the final grade on the following items
Homework / quizzes
Midterms / exams.
I believe that there can be a lot of value in oral exams, ...
