Determine yourself when you take a test
As a student, decide for yourself when you take a test. The Windesheim University of Applied Sciences in Zwolle has been experimenting with this in multiple choice tests since the spring break. Students do not have to take all lessons first and wait for the regular test week, but can take a test every week on Monday morning, Tuesday and Friday afternoon. Lecturer and project leader Frank Sturrus explains.
Why this trial?
“We now teach for seven to eight weeks, followed by two test weeks, but this can be more flexible. If students want to take a test earlier, they will be less busy during the test week. Or suppose a student has already studied at the university or already works in that subject, then it is useful to already take that test. The student can then spend his time in another subject. We received sounds from students that they would like this. Certainly also for resits where students have to wait another ten weeks. Then a project group was started. ”
Is it already possible for all subjects?
“Five courses are participating: nursing, technical business administration, communication and the teacher training courses geography and physical education. Fifteen students of two study programs have now taken a resit earlier and five students took their regular test outside the regular test period. The other three courses will start in the coming weeks. One subject takes part per study program, for example in the geography teacher training course the subject 'maps and atlases'. And it is only possible with multiple choice tests, and these are mainly in the first year. "
Only with multiple choice tests?
“Yes, those tests are digital test banks with many questions in them. Suppose a test has fifty questions, then the test bank with questions is at least five times as large.''
The computer generates the questions, so that there are always tests with different questions, so that the students take a test with different questions.
"They can't pass on the answers to fellow students that way."
Isn't it difficult for teachers?
“No, that's why we only do it for multiple choice tests. These are automatically checked. Teachers do have to process grades in between, which is a bit more difficult. Because, as always, students who decide to take a test earlier only have two test opportunities. ”
And is the trial a success?
“We certainly want to expand after the summer with other courses and courses. During a pilot you always come across things that don't work as well. The administrative process now takes a lot of time. This mainly concerns registering for tests and preparing the test. It is also quite costly, as there must be invigilators every week, even if only two students take a test. We now have three test moments per week, which will be reduced to two after the summer. But we certainly want to continue. ”
