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Alireza Rafiei
4,221 PointsSuggestions on improving the method of testing
I'm a new Treehouse user and currently doing the RoR track. So far, it's great (especially the teaching of Javascript's prototypes)! The only problem is the method of testing.
It may be because I'm a beginner and need more practice, but I have taken the MITx's course in Python and their method of questioning is what I'm suggesting to be implemented in this site.
Simply writing couple of lines of code and occasionally solving five multiple choice questions right after one learns the material for the first time, gives an illusion of completely grasping the material. I think there should be more focus on providing more exercises which require cumulative knowledge of the material (and not just the ones that has been taught a minute ago), with more difficulties; also at the end of each sub-lesson (or Achievement) a small project should be provided with a big one at the end of each course.
Don't get me wrong, the Treehouse platform is great, but currently it feels like some Youtube videos (If I may restate again: high quality and well taught videos) that have some five minute questionnaires attached.
P.S. I don't know whether you're planning to do this or it has been discussed before, so I apologize in advance if it's duplicate.
3 Answers
Marcus Parsons
15,719 PointsI would like to see this, as well. Great suggestion!
Steven Fout
Courses Plus Student 2,162 PointsYes! They need to start implementing some sort of cumulative tests/quizes after the end of each video, that goes over EVERYTHING we have learned up to that point. I would MUCH RATHER take a challenge and have to code 50 lines to see how much I actually know than just code the usual 5 lines and its over. Recently with CSS it seems like when the video ends they only tell you to only code 1 part of what the instructor was talking about...what about the rest? Having cumulative tests would help us to RETAIN the knowledge that we learn say...in the very first CSS video. And don't get me wrong, I AM LEARNING. I just feel like there is room for improvement. Great suggestion as well!
Esther Fuldauer
12,720 PointsI also find testing to easy and would like the tests to be more challenging. Eventhough I like to go fast through the material I'm left feeling that I might not know my stuff as well as I think. What you are saying about cumulative knowledge sounds like it's just what is needed.