One word exam questions and multiple choice questions on 2nd year

r.mac_2

studentphil wrote:

I am saying MCQ require less thinking and more learning facts and things from books

I can understand why you might think that - it is common amongst students for them to be refered to as Multiple guess!!!:D


However, while some MCQ's may require a certain amount of regurgitation (sp?) many require applying that knowledge in order to answer them correctly.


as i have previously said often MCQ's only form a small part of the assessment overall so other skills such as research are assessed by other means.

The two methods aren't really comparable, however it is current thinking on many courses that a combination of a number of assessement methods means a more thorough assessment of the students knowledge and skills as a whole. So, to conclude, I really so think MCQ's have their place in degree education.

studentphil

r.mac wrote:

I can understand why you might think that - it is common amongst students for them to be refered to as Multiple guess!!!:D


However, while some MCQ's may require a certain amount of regurgitation (sp?) many require applying that knowledge in order to answer them correctly.




as i have previously said often MCQ's only form a small part of the assessment overall so other skills such as research are assessed by other means.

The two methods aren't really comparable, however it is current thinking on many courses that a combination of a number of assessement methods means a more thorough assessment of the students knowledge and skills as a whole. So, to conclude, I really so think MCQ's have their place in degree education.

Philosophy clearly has not moved with the times. They still use 2000 word essays for almost every module. Maybe it is time they changed and tried another method.

pboae

studentphil wrote:

Philosophy clearly has not moved with the times. They still use 2000 word essays for almost every module. Maybe it is time they changed and tried another method.

It must depend where you study. I did Philosophy as a subsidary (2 modules I think) as part of my Bachelors degree, and that was partly assessed by short answer questions. But then I find Philosophy to be one of those subjects where you can make a little knowledge go a long way, if you have good literacy/debating skills.

lellie

yeah the multiple choice test I did as part of a CS module actually needed you to work out what the code given would do or what the maths was for that question. You couldn't just remember a fact, you had to work with the question and the possible answers and deduce which one was right. It certainly wasn't regurgitation and I did terribly in it (thankfully my 100% coursework mark meant I still got a reasonable overall mark)

In comparison I do history and often know a rough outline of a topic but not much more - however through decent literacy I can use these few facts I know, to put together a pretty decent essay and usually average 65%+.

I know which type test I find easier!

talksalot81

studentphil wrote:

This was completely MCQ and one word answers.
If you picked a course with 3 hour essay exams then surely it is unfair!

I know many 'artsy' courses which require half a dozen hours lecture attendance from students. Some on the course wouldnt have had to get out of bed before midday once in the whole 3 years. Contrasting, my science course required me in for lectures at 9 am every day, often a whole days work followed by assignments in the evening.

That surely would be unfair too?

It is all swings and roundabouts...