Dr. Bob Hurt, C.M.A., C.F.M.
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Accounting Department
College of Business Administration
3801 W. Temple Ave.
Pomona, CA 91768
Phone: (909) 869-2372
FAX: (909) 869-4511
E-mail: RLHurt@csupomona.edu
As an aid in exam preparation, I posted sample exam questions on the course Web page. Students could respond to them alone or in groups, then check the answers with me (either in my office or in an in-class exam review).
I used this technique in my introductory accounting classes. Exams in those classes often create substantial anxiety for non-accounting majors, who represent the lion's share of the enrollment. Thus, in addition, to preparing them for exams, the questions helped reduce their anxiety.
As stated above, the primary benefit was reduced student anxiety about exams (and, hence, better performance). Additionally, because the questions were on the Web, students could access them at any time. And, even students in classes with other instructors could benefit. Finally, the cost to the Department was zero since they did not have to be duplicated.
I would caution colleagues that, for maximum benefit, these questions should be incorporated as a formal assignment in the course. Also, on the day of the exam review, have overhead transparencies of the questions prepared to facilitate class discussion.
Replicating this idea is fairly simple. To do so, simply create a Rich Text File using Word or some other word processing package and upload it to the Web page. (I used Rich Text because the formatting options are better than with standard HTML files.)
Using this approach has forced me to think clearly and specifically about how I construct exams. Because I want the questions to be representative of those on actual exams, I had to design questions that were similar in form and substance. Students learned about the peculiarities of taking accounting exams, and class discussion helped them do better on the actual tests.
Although a fairly basic technique, I think this approach is appropriate for introductory students. It provides them an initial positive experience with using the Web to access information.
http://www.intranet.csupomona.edu/~rlhurt/acc207/practiceexams.htm