On 8/9/06, Kelly B. Farner <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > My > suggestion to improve the test would be to allow the test taker a chance > to explain why he or she answered a certain question the way they did. > Instead of getting zero points for an incorrect answer the test taker > may get half the points if his or her answer falls within acceptable > methods etc. the problem is that the test is multiple choice. Yes there are different possible answers to the example you provided. BUT remember this, someone has to grade the exams. and if you allow for short essay answers then you have to have a human read and evaluate the exam. Do I see any volunteers? hands anyone? The ICRM exams at one time were both short essay and multiple choice. Several years ago (I disremember when) made the first 45 exams multiple choice and machine scored. This speeded up the grading process, eliminated (for the most part) any chance of grader errors and got the results back to the candidate in a timely so that if they needed to retake an exam they could submit their application. The ICRM is slowly moving towards web-based exams. This will be make it easier for candidates to take the exam, provide faster grading and more. No exam process is perfect. they are (or should be) evolutionary in nature. But I was keep in mind a saying that a friend used when we would evaluate RFPs "Just answer the mail" When reading the question answer what was asked, don't provide anymore information. So provide the most correct answer, don't dither -- Peter Kurilecz CRM CA Richmond, Va A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List sponsored by the Society of American Archivists, www.archivists.org. For the terms of participation, please refer to http://www.archivists.org/listservs/arch_listserv_terms.asp. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] In body of message: SUB ARCHIVES firstname lastname *or*: UNSUB ARCHIVES To post a message, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html Problems? Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <[log in to unmask]>