Please give INPUT!!!!

[griffly]

Hey everyone. I'm currently in my last year of nursing school and stuck in a little dilemma.

I'm sure everyone i used to taking exams on a scan sheet and filling in the bubbles corresponding to the paper test.

My school has recently switched over to a "powerpoint" test. THe questions are displayed on a powerpoint presentation and automatically switches every 70 seconds. Initially i was all for it, it somewhat simulates the NCLEX, we don't get to go back over our test and it is timed.

After taking these tests for over a year they are starting to show more negatives. For example: all questions are timed the same, whether it is a short, basic knowledge question or a lengthy application or synthesis question. All questions switch after 70 seconds. Some students are really having problems with this, they don't get enough time to read the question and think about it. Yes the NCLEX is timed, BUT they questions don 't change automatically, you move at your own pace, as long as you complete the entire exam within the time frame.

I would like to go back to the old fashion written tests that you move at your own pace, as long as you complete the entire test within the time frame. There are of course negatives for written tests, for example you can go back thru the test and change answers, which is different than NCLEX.

Let me know your thoughts and suggestions. If you took tests in a different manner let me know. Being president of my class i would like to present this issue to the faculty and possibly change their ways. Your suggestions could possibly be taken into consideration.

Griff

[shirls30]

YIKES!!!!! That would freak me out too. Does your school have special accomodations? At our school if you let the instructor know you have certain way to test (ie: severe test anxiety), they will let you go to a room in the tutoring center where it's quiet. You have the exact same amount of time to take the test as the class does. Seems to work for those who need it. Maybe that will help?

[angelc]

OH man that powerpoint way sounds aweful. Im all for timing it and if there is a way not to go back fine, but let me control my own time mgt. Some questions require more processing time than others and the time limit per question would def. stress me out.

[griffly]

I don't have anxiety for these tests, I do disagree with them but...

I want to get this changed because many of my classmates are struggling. I just don't see why the teachers would want to do a test this way. They say it decreases chances of cheating....but.... WHen people are done answering a question in 10 seconds they have to wait another 60 SECONDS!!! what do wondering eyes do?? those extra 60 seconds could be spent on a different question that requires more processing

[whiteoleander5]

I have a whole new respect for my schools scantron tests now.

[slsmithe]

That sounds similar to what my program may be implementing next semester. We have these things called clickers, where we punch in the letter of our answer and it automatically goes into our instructor's computer. It's supposed to be like the NCLEX, where we can't go back to look at any previous questions. Unlike yours though, we each will have our own test. I sure hope they won't start doing that with us as well. I already have so much anxiety on finishing on time, I can't imagine being timed for every single question. Like you said, people finishing early wouldn't know what to do, and being that I usually take a little longer, it would just make me more anxious. People work at different paces, and it's not fair to categorize everyone. That's not even how NCLEX works! I would pursue this more and see what you can do about it. Good luck.

[txnursingqt]

If they really wanted to simulate the NCLEX by having it timed and not able to go back that is fine, but why not let everyone have their own computer or something like the above post stated. The way that you all are doing it is ridiculous. I would HATE it and this is coming from a fast test taker.

[queen_mimi]

Hey Mr. President! Yeah, these tests are pretty much awful! I get done with my questions really quick and have nodded off a time or two waiting for the next question.... And on the flip side, the international students whose first language is not English have had a difficult time being able to read the more lengthy application questions and answer them in time... I'm all for you presenting this to higher powers and trying to find a better solution! Good luck... I don't think I know of a single person who has liked the powerpoint tests...

[MB37]

That sounds awful! I'm usually a quick test taker, so I can see myself staring at the powerpoint waiting for it to change, and then overthinking an answer and switching to something wrong. Also, when I do get stuck, I stare at the same question until I can come up with some type of reasoning, even if it takes 5 minutes. Plus, we had some instructors who wrote entire paragraphs to set up question scenarios. I took the NCLEX yesterday, and I don't see how powerpoint exams would have been better preparation. One idea that we only used for some courses: computer testing. Do you have a computer lab? We had one that sat about 80, plus a smaller one down in the skills lab that was used for overflow seating for some exams. All exams were timed, and the instructors could choose whether we were allowed to backtrack or not - if you use Blackboard they can set it either way. I think that's the best way to simulate NCLEX. Even if it's not a CAT, I think it's helpful to get used to taking exams on the computer where you can't write on the test. Good luck pursuing this, it sounds awful! Definitely present some constructive alternate ideas, don't just say theirs stinks.