Using FAIR test to assess student learning

By Dawn Marie Sicurelli
College of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
November, 2010

I believe tests are valuable tools to evaluate both teachers and students. However, tests need to be fair and contain information that was taught in class. I do not understand why some teachers feel they must try to trick students on exams. As mentioned in my last journal some teachers design exams to be more difficult than need be to intentionally confuse the students. In my opinion, these types of instructors are insecure and need to feel empowerment by continually trying to show his or her intelligence or success by belittling their students.

Unfortunately, I have had many professors who try to control their classes by being mean, rude, and giving unfair exams. How do they expect students to feel encouraged about education when it seems like they are working against students? Furthermore, how do they expect students to learn if they are disrespectful and give exams on information that was not provided?

When I become an instructor I will always give fair exams to my students. I will not give tests that contain trick questions or material that was not covered in class. I will always give a review study guide to ensure students know exactly what to expect. Moreover, I will make myself available to assist any students who may be having difficulty.