Technology has brought a whole new generation of how to do things in the world today. Today, almost everything is available with a simple click of the button. This is no different from the education sector. Test banks have emerged everywhere and it has become easier to access making learning and teaching a much easier task.
Test bank can be referred to as the ready-made testing resource that is electronic in nature. This is a resource that even lecturers can customize so as to use while they teach. Students can also access such banks so as to have an idea of how real tests look like and what to expect.
Tailored tests
Usually, an author is tasked with the creation of the contents. Usually, one may be given the task of dealing with a certain textbook. Feedback is then given regarding the answers. These often have pages that refer to the book.
There are different questions that can be contained in a test bank. They include:
· Multiple choice questions
· Short/essay answers
· Matching
· Filling blanks
· True/false questions
· Multiple response
They are usually available in different formats that are aimed at catering to different kinds of users. In some organizations, they come with passwords so as to ensure there is only authorized access, usually by the lecturers.
Benefits of test banks
There are different kinds of test banks. Some institutions have theirs that are tailor made. Some of the benefits include:
· The institution gives the system that they want the test bank to be provided in
· The students can still use an institution’s network where the banks have limited access
· Lecturers have an easier time as they create assessments because they are ready to use. They usually have the answers and questions already tackled.
· Lecturers are in a position to customize all parts of the test so as to fulfill the requirements that they want.
· They have feedback and these can have some page references to information that could be relevant in textbooks. This can help students as they tackle the formative assessments.
· Marking assessments is made easier for the lecturers.
· So as to have an assessment that is summative, it is possible to turn off the feedback
· Assessments can be integrated with own tools like grade books and student monitoring so as to monitor each student and grades.
Should lecturers use the test banks?
Today, many professors rely on their use for the different filed that they deal with. They offer a great resource and they can really help the students as well as the professors as a study guideline.
Professors within institutions can safely use them, especially when such institutions restrict access to the test banks. Creation of exams can be difficult tasks and with so much to cover, test banks can actually aid to a great extent.
They can be a great way of improving academic performance and giving students a better insight regarding the classes that they are taking.