Many people have been suggesting that the exam generated using just the
test bank may be the problem. What I do is use a large number of different
test banks and choose questions from a variety of books. I also give my
students a study sheet filled with the terms that I will be testing on. I
keep a copy of that right by me and check off which areas that I have
created questions for. Yes, it takes a lot of time, but I find that by
using the study sheet to help, I am more likely to give an even test (all
material is covered). I also give the test and the scantron back and give
students the ability to correct their answers - they must tell me why they
got the answer wrong and why the answer they chose is correct. This is
really helpful because I can see what areas I need to be more clear about
in the future. In addition, if the students STILL cannot figure out the
answer using the text and their notes, I know that either I didn't explain
it well enough or it is a bad question (I have had to get rid of a few
questions that I particularly liked after I began this practice).

You might need to help them understand how to study. This term, for
example, I am teaching honors Intro to Psych. The first test was exactly
the same as the type of test that I give my Intro to Psych class and I
received the same range of grades from these students that I did from my
other classes. Why? They never had to study so didn't know how. They didn't
know how to study from a textbook. They are doing fine now.

Deb

Deborah S. Briihl                       There are as many
Dept. of Psychology and Counseling      ways to live as 
Valdosta State University               there are people in
Valdosta, GA 31698-0100                 this world and each
[EMAIL PROTECTED]                    deserve a closer
Now in new Assoc. size!                 look..
http://chiron.valdosta.edu/dbriihl


You got so many dreams you don't know where to put them, so you better turn
a few of them loose... Fire

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