Why do we still use multiple choice questions, anyways?
When you think of a test, what is the first thing that comes to mind?
A. A written essay question
B. A group project
C. A series of multiple choice questions
D. An oral exam
The multiple choice exam has been around for so long that your middle school science teacher used it, your kids take them in school today, and you probably assigned one on Isidore this term.
Lukewarm take: The Lessons tool is the best and most powerful tool in Isidore by far. In this series, I will share my favorite features of the Lessons tool, as well as tips and tricks for making content look lovely. First off for the series: Expandable and Collapsible Sections.
The text editor in Isidore is one of the most powerful authoring tools available to instructors (and students), but few know all its secrets. Possibly not even I, a longtime connoisseur. In this series, we will explore the text editor buttons that I wish everyone knew and used. This post starts with probably my most commonly used button: the Link button.
I think Father Chaminade would do a spit-take if he ever heard a sentence like this blog post’s title. But I do feel like this concern over grading is often - and perhaps increasingly - students’ sentiment about education. Part of our job at this Marianist institution is to inspire students to look beyond the grade, to “help students see their capabilities and competencies as a means of service to others." But it often feels like we’re fighting a losing battle as students are seemingly less engaged, less curious, less caring - less alive. For some academics, the solution to this conundrum is ungrading. Ungrading is radical, challenging, scary - and it just might work.
Everyone’s heard the phrase, “C’s get degrees,” in their careers, and - let’s be honest - have maybe even thought it to themselves during a particularly difficult stretch in their time as students. Given this uncomfortable truth, it’s worth asking ourselves the question, “do traditional points-based grading system is actually working to develop skilled professionals, life-long learners and well-rounded citizens?” According to Linda Nilson, that answer is a resounding "No."