Assignments:
1. Complete Writing Test
Handout: Writing Tests Assignment- Essay Questions
Complete the Stop-Start-Continue survey. (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QVHZ6VR)
2. Forum Discussion
Use the following questions as a starting point for your discussions on essay questions and rubrics.
What did you learn that you found interesting about essay questions and/or rubrics?
What are advantages and disadvantages of essay questions and rubrics?
What, if anything, will you be doing differently as a result of your learning this week?
In general, written tests are examples of teacher-centered evaluation. How might you use essay questions and rubrics in a more learner-centered level 2 evaluation?
Anything else you want to mention!
Essay Test Questions
An essay question is a measure of what a student knows as well as a measure of writing ability. Whereas other question types may be better at measure knowledge and facts, because of the open-ended nature of an essay question, essay questions can be more effective measuring more complex, higher levels of understanding than other question types.
Two Types of Essay Questions
1. Restricted-Response Essay Questions limit both the content and the response.
Example restricted-response question:
Why is the barometer one of the most useful instruments for forecasting weather? Answer in a brief paragraph.
Examples of the complex learning outcomes that can be measured with restricted-response essay questions:
o Explain cause-effect relationships.
o Describe applications of principles.
o Present relevant arguments.
o Formulate tenable hypotheses.
o Formulate tenable conclusions.
2. Extended-Response Essay Questionsallow students to organize and answer the question with their best judgment, selecting any factual information they think pertinent, and integrating and evaluating ideas as they see appropriate
Example extended-response question:
Describe the influence of Mendel's laws of heredity on the development of biology as a science.
Examples of the complex learning outcomes that can be measured with extended-response essay questions:
o Produce, organize, and express ideas.
o Integrate learning from different areas.
o Create original form.
o Summarize
o Explain concepts or principles.
o Construct stories, logical trails and/or arguments to persuade a reader.