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Author Archives: knlistman
Voice, deconstructed
Voice in writing can be best defined by breaking it down into its components. But the problem remains that voice is comprised of different things, depending on who you ask. According to the Texas TAKS writing rubric, voice is demonstrated … Continue reading
The writer’s voice
When people speak they produce many different signals that the audience can interpret: facial expressions, gestures, and timbre of voice can add to the meaning of the words, or reverse them. For example, a person saying “Good job!” in a … Continue reading
Posted in Style and voice, Teaching writing skills, Writer's resource
Tagged Creative writing, Voice, Writers Resources
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Write about writing
When students face the task of writing for state mandated tests, there are always a few that want to vent their spleen by describing how much they hate to do this kind of writing. The hapless scorer must read through … Continue reading
The reason for writing
Because of the glaring short comings of multiple choice question as an indicator of persons ability to evaluate or synthesize idea, the written essay has become a staple of state-mandated educational tests. Writing does take a lot more planning of … Continue reading
Posted in Teaching writing skills, Writer's resource
Tagged Alan Paton, Essay, state assessments, Writers Resources, Writing
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The higher level gamble
The attempt to create “higher level” multiple choice questions does not always result in valid assessment. In fact, I’m beginning to wonder if this kind of close-ended, limited choice question can even legitimately test anything beyond a simple analysis. In … Continue reading
Posted in Education trends, Standardized testing
Tagged Bloom's Taxonomy, Multiple choice, Skill, Tests
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The time of tests
The ancient Chinese refined the process of choosing officials based on testing. Prospective government employees would spend days ensconced in little tents taking the massive exam. If they scored high they could expect a cushy job as part of the … Continue reading
Posted in Education trends, Standardized testing
Tagged China, Purpose of testing, Standardized test
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Multiple Choice Mess
Having worked both in education as a teacher, and in industry as a developer of certifications, I understand the prevalence of multiple-choice tests. They are easy to administer and grade without the specter of subjectivity. But it is not simple … Continue reading
What exactly are we testing?
The two big criteria for judging tests are reliability and validity. Reliability refers to the consistency of the test results each time it is given. For example, psychometric tests attempt to gain a picture of a person’s more permanent personality … Continue reading
The schizophrenic approach to testing
One of the major difficulties using standardized testing in school is our “schizophrenic” approach to the subject. Is the purpose of testing to ensure that the students is ready to go to the next level? Is it to see if … Continue reading
Testing the teachers
One of the major challenges in education is preparing new teachers. New ideas for teacher education are constantly being thrown about. But how do we really know what works? Check out research and you will find that the best predictor … Continue reading
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