So, I designed my first test recently,
and it got me to thinking about a number
of issues. I guess the big one is the purpose
of testing.
Obviously, it's largely to evaluate, but I think that
a good test should provide an opportunity for
learning, as well. Hence, I spent time going
over the answers with my class, even though
they are done with that section, and will not
be tested on it again. Which got me to thinking
about the final, wherein I shan't have this chance.
I wonder whether I wasted their time (but why are
they taking a class - if not to learn?), or did them a
favor. If the latter, should I have scheduled the final
earlier (not that this would be allowed), and offered
to go over the results? As though they'd even have
shown up for this.