WHAT CAN OUR STUDENTS TELL US ABOUT ESSAY EXAMINATION DESIGNS AND PRACTICES

• Published in: Journal of basic writing Vol. 11; no. 2; pp. 47 - 60
• Main Authors: Haviland, Carol Peterson, Clark, J. Milton
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York City University of New York 01-10-1992; City University of New York Office of Academic Affairs
• Subjects: Basic Writing; Essay Tests; Essays; Higher Education; Medical students; Nursing students; Student Attitudes; Student Evaluation; Writers; Writing; Writing Evaluation; Writing instruction; Writing Research; Writing teachers; Writing tests; Written composition
• ISSN: 0147-1635; 2831-9184; 0147-1635; 2164-5116
• DOI: 10.37514/JBW-J.1992.11.2.04

The authors report a three-year study of basic writers' analyses of essay examination questions. The 336 students evaluated a series of sample questions, reported their experiences writing to one or more questions, and offered advice to faculty preparing to write other questions. The data reveal a number of preference patterns that may be weighed both against general teaching and assessment theory and against the particular constraints of specific contexts. The authors conclude that basic'writers have much to contribute to the writing of essay examination questions as well as to the final choice of the design of assessment practices.