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What are your thoughts on open book/open note tests?

  • I teach statistics at a technical college. Typically, I give open book tests, but not open notes (except for a 3x5 note card). I understand that there are a lot of formulas to learn. For many students, this is their first statistics class, that's why I let them use their text and note card. But, give an inch, and they want a mile. Now my students want to use full class notes and quizzes on their unit tests. I'm opposed to this mainly because I don't want them simply copying their answers to similar quiz questions and replacing the numbers to get the test answers. Why do I feel guilty for not letting them use their notes? Am I justified in my opposition? I've read a little bit of discussion on other websites, and some say that tests that limit resources are more focused on memorization. I don't feel that way...I'm not asking them to memorize anything, I'm simply avoiding the scenario where students don't understand the numbers that come out on their tests. I've now designed my tests so that they require more interpretation in addition to the calculations. What are your thoughts on open book/note tests in general? How about in my specific situation?

  • Answer:

    It depends on how you are going to structure your test and how difficult you are going to make it. You need to put some type of parameters on it. You could allow only one index card or one sheet of paper -- if you do that, they will have to study all the information and decide what is important enough to put down and bring into the test. You could allow use of the notes, books, etc. but only for the a specified time (the last 15 mintues) -- If you do it that way, they will make an attempt to at least learn some of the information so they can do some work independently. In my educational psychology courses (and through experience) I have learned that it is how many times that something gets in your head that makes it stick. If you can get them to at least study it one more time, there is more of a chance they will learn it. I personally prefer the one index card way because it will make they study and also to exercise judgement about what is important.

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I personally think open notes is way too easy. You want them to understand the concepts and reasoning for math, by letting them use open notes they will just be replacing and copying numbers and not really understanding why they are doing/using such formulas. It may be a little strict but they will be thankful at the end..... =]

As a mechanical engineer that has worked on defense electronics / aerospace / automotive / semiconductor and now manned space flight systems I truly believe that my understanding of how I can virtually go from one industry to another with success, is an investment to my education back in the 1980's. Open book with one note card, is what I would certainly recommend due to the many facts that are not necessary to keep in one's head. There has been many times I have simply googled software code, that I haven't spent hours and hours developing. Yes there needs to be an understanding of the knowledge that these books provide and how to interact with them, but there is also a need to provide one understanding of the knowledge gained. However I do see that a limit to one card (3x5) is essential in helping manage the correct information. Too much information can be stressed as ambiguity settles in and over-thinking wastes time. I feel that the information I gained back in school from my professors were truly coherent to the necessities of my background. I have thrown away many book, but I still have a long desire to gain more knowledge by keeping myself fit and trim with the knowledge I need to complete my tasks. I know - that was rather long winded. But I would go with your gut feeling on this and keep the open book and one small note card to make these folks understand "there is knowledge", but then there is experience coming from "managing that knowledge".

kinger

I've taken a stats course and hated it. Open book tests are actually harder than closed books. Psychologically speaking, students wont study as hard because they feel they have their note card. Open book seems fine but I can understand where the students are coming from with wanting their open notes. Open notes probably have better explanations of how they got the solutions rather than the textbook just giving you an answer. I say give them a freebie ONCE and see if the test scores increase with them using their own notes. If it works, you can always have them use just one 8 1/2 and 11 inch paper with their notes on it. If you really don't want the open notes, you can always give them extra credit or scale higher.

ThisOneRightHere

while i know statistics an such is not an easy thing. i personally think letting open book/notes/notebooks is making it all to easy for them...for all they have to do is look up the formulas or whatever an and you said, change the numbers to make it work. with using open books an notes, one cant use what they are truely learning and to see if they are paying attention in class... what would make open book/notes any different then cheating and using notes?

tormentt

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