Re: LF: Tick test

[Peter Dodd <g3ldo@ukonline.co.uk>]

mal hamilton wrote:
> I suppose the students cannot be blamed, since 1979 its their only 
> option, no alternative.
The RAF technical examining board used objective multiple choice 
question method in the early 1950s.
The Open University used them as CMEs (Computer Marked Assignments) when 
I started as an undergraduate in 1973. These were backed up with TMAs 
(Tutor Marked Assignments -essays). I found that the CMAs were always 
more difficult.
> I have heard tales from those that passed the tick test that they 
> would have failed the old written exams, in fact some admit to having 
> failed the pre 1979 test but passed later ticking boxes.
This was true but not necessarily because the student didn't know his stuff.
In 1979 I was teaching an RAE student who had previously failed the RAE 
twice. I was puzzled by this because he seemed to know the subject and 
was a keen constructor. It all turned out to be about exam technique. 
Under the old system he was asked what were the desirable qualities of a 
VFO oscillator and wrote a couple of pages on the subject and not giving 
enough time to answer the other questions. When he took the new 
objective question exam he passed with flying colours.
Regards

Peter, G3LDO