Purpose: To facilitate
automatic scoring and item analysis of multiple-choice tests. Can also be used
for research purposes.
Location: 318C Schermerhorn Hall
Using
the Scantron:
a)
First
time users must view a short video. This provides clear instructions on the features of the
Scantron and will show you how to use it in such as way as not to break
it! The video
is located in the same place as the forms.
The video will provide you with essential information
regarding:
i. Form options (what type of form is
best for your exam?)
ii. Creating the scoring key
iii. Scoring options (raw scores vs. %
correct; adding “subjective” scores like scores from essays or
short answer responses)
iv. Error marking options (simple mark
[—] vs. correct answer [A])
v. Item analysis (% of students getting
a particular question correct/incorrect à essential for recognizing scoring
key errors and ambiguous questions)
vi. Dealing with scoring errors
(automatic remarking)
b)
Reminders
about how to use it:
a laminated instruction card is kept next to the machine.
(After referring to
either method of instruction, please return the video/card to its proper place
so it is there for the next person)
Forms: A variety of forms are available, including some
that have essay, matching and short answer sections, in addition to the
standard multiple-choice question. “Low
visibility” forms are available to discourage cheating from
“wandering eyes.” “Large format” forms are available
for students with visual or motor disabilities.
Please look carefully at the available forms (in
318C) prior to creating the exam in order to determine your options, as well
as if there are enough forms of that type for your course (see important note
below).
Scheduling: It is important to
ensure security of the “grading environment.” Therefore, the
Scantron should not be used for grading exams at the same time as
office hours are being held in 318C. To avoid overlap with scheduled office
hours, please consult the WebEvent scheduling website and reserve a previously
unscheduled time to use this room: http://durin.psych.columbia.edu/cgi-bin/webevent.cgi?cmd=opencal&cal=cal3
Important: When you are submitting your
reservation, please:
a)
Include
the type of form (e.g., 882-E-LOVAS) and the number of forms that you are using (e.g., 100).
b)
Make
sure there are that # forms available, and that at least 100 forms
remain. If either condition is not met, please contact Jennifer Mangels (mangels@psych.columbia.edu)
(It is essential to track how many forms we have to avoid
shortages of popular forms.)
Problems
with Scantron: If
you encounter problems using the machine (e.g., paper jams) please contact
Jennifer Mangels: mangels@psych.columbia.edu.
Most problems can be handled on-site, but more serious problems might require
that the machine to be returned to the company for repair. So, please alert Dr.
Mangels of any problems in a timely manner. Please do not just leave the Scantron
in a broken state for the next person to discover!