and I would ask that the students share their results via my email at nwildes@csusb.edu or print as pdf and send the pdf file to my email account.
I also created an example of an assessment that I might administer midway through the course to gauge the prior knowledge of my students. I created a pdf quiz that can be completed and submitted electronically, however I am unsure how to embed this file within the blog, so I just copied and pasted the original content below for now.
1. True or False? An open hi-hat generally has a longer duration than a closed hi-hat.
True False
2. True or False? Compressors were originally used to lower peaks of a signal in order to avoid distortion.
True False
3. The term syncopation refers to:
A. Fluctuation in pitch B. Looping of a phrase C. Pattern of a rhythm D. Scale
4. The bass’s most important function is:
A. Play chord roots B. Draw focus away from the motif C. Compliment the snare D. Accompany vocals
5. Which of the following is not considered a percussion sound?
A. Shaker B. Cabasa C. Snare D. Kick E. Viola
6. True or False? The motif is usually the memorable part of the melody.
True False
7. Another name for the chorus is:
A. Sing along B. Lead vocal C. Hook D. Sample E. Acapella
8. What does BPM stand for?
A. Bass Parameter Modulation B. Bring Plenty Money C. Beats Per Minute D. Bi-Polar Musician
9. What is the typical frequency range for bass?
A. 8000-10,000 Hz B. 800-5000 Hz C. 5000-8000 Hz D. 40-200 Hz E. 10,000-20,000 Hz
10. True or False? Sustain is the velocity of note.
True False
11. True or False? The scale below is an example of E Aeolian.
True False
12. Which of the following is not an example of a scale?
A. G Euphranian B. F Phrygian C. D Aeolian D. D Dorian
This quiz would be one of five assessments that would account for a quarter of the overall grade. This particular quiz is based on twelve questions totalling 100%. Each question is worth 1.2 points out of twelve or 8 1/3 % out of 100%.
Nate, I tried taking your test. I almost sent it to you for grading, but when I saved it I hit the wrong button and erased it by mistake. I decided that was an omen (grin). Personally I don't like true/false questions. Student's have a 50% chance of guessing the right answer. Although yours were clear and straightforward, many teachers write them poorly by making a true statement then putting one false spin to them. I do not believe they are a good assessment of student progress, but that is just my humble opinion.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the link you provided regarding learning styles. I used to watch my students take tests. After many years I noticed a pattern. Auditory learners whispered the questions and options aloud before answering. Kinesthetic learners fidgeted or clicked their pens. The white ceiling was a billboard with all the answers for my visual learners who also doodled on their answer sheets. Only the reading learners quietlly read and marked answers, although if the question was particulatlly difficult they may pick the paper up, read it, and put it back down before answering. It was quite humorous.
After years of teaching I also developed my own little learning styles test. I tested the validity by giving my test followed by the ELSIE test. My little quiz is surprisingly accurate and very quick to administer. Here it is. Question 1 identifies the learning style preference and question 2 identifies the preferred problem solving modality.
When you make a purchase that requires assembly do you:
a. Read and follow the instructions
b. Ask someone to read the instructions to you while you assemble the item.
c. Look at the pictures and diagrams to assemble the item.
d. Throw the instructions away and jump in with both feet.
2. Which would you do to buy a car?
a. Reseach the car to make your decision.
b. Test drive various cars to make your decision.
c. Buy the one that is most appealing to you.
Hi Nate!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great concept- give the assessment first- then adjust your lesson plan! I have had good results doing this kind of assessment. I believe this was mentioned in the last DimDim session- the KWL chart. The KWL is a good solid pre- assessment.
Great job
hi Nate
ReplyDeleteIts great idea to do the assessment early to know the strengths and weaknesses of your students.
I like how do you use your results in graphic representation.
do you face any challenges when do you did he assessment early?
Hey Nate, Wow - I would sooo flunk your quiz! Would you be concerned about the resources students used to complete the quiz? Would you set time limits? How would you be sure of student identity? or student collaboration? I think tests on-line have a lot of issues!! Maybe the quiz would be more like a worksheet that the students would complete using resources and in their own time so that they are motivated to engage with the material but you don't have to worry so much about testing issues. Thanks for helping me think about this! Sue
ReplyDeleteHi Sue. I thought about these issues after posting the quiz. I would most likely structure the quiz within the CMS and require students to log in with student ID numbers and set a time frame or window for students to start and complete the quiz. I would also place a time limit to discourage students from attempting to use outside resources. One last preventative measure would be to randomize these short quizzes to pull questions from a pool of possible questions to ensure that each quiz is unique. My challenge would be to produce questions that were dissimilar, yet tested knowledge of the same content.
ReplyDeleteEman. It is always a challenge to adapt a course to the particular needs or learning styles of the students. I would probably have a few preconceived layouts ready to implement, but at the same time, leave it somewhat open for customization according to the assessments and feedback.
ReplyDeleteDonna. I agree that True or False questions aren't the best for an accurate assessment, but I carefully chose the questions. These were supposed to be the easy questions that test prior knowledge pertaining to some of the more basic concepts. If they missed one of these, they more than likely would miss most of the multiple-choice as well. I appreciate your insight and like your straightforward learning style test. What learning style am I if I whisper the possible answers, fidget with my pen and doodle!?
ReplyDeleteThanks McKinley. I like how Wordpress lets you upload your files to their server so that you can embed them in your blog posts. If you can do it on Blogspot, I haven't figured it out yet.
ReplyDelete