2007 Student Test

[Crossfire]

I just downloaded the 2007 student test and answer key.

I really, REALLY have problems with the way some of these questions are worded. I don't like the trick questions, double negatives, and ambiguous wording. I think I am going to use the 2005 test for tomorrow, until DPS clarifies this.

For those who have gone to the most recent instructor update classes, was this brought up? Can we edit some of the questions? You know, without changing the questions, just making it clearer?

Am I the only one who has issues with this?

[Greybeard]

You are certainly not alone in having issues with the way some of the questions are worded. I think Sgt. Riddle is the primary "writer" of much of what is still there (at least the one they gave us in August) - and no one has seen fit to "simplify".

I've had similar issues with Texas Parks and Wildlife on their hunter ed. home study completion test. After wasting lots of time in post-test discussions with students (who were right) I called to discuss one especially-questionable question number 2 with the writer back when the test was first published. He finally agreed that it was poorly worded and agreed to rewrite it. That was back in 1999 and I'm still waiting ...

Unfortunately, it seems that some folks in Moscow on The Colorado simply take pride in writing "tricky" questions just because they can - and seem to always have "other priorities" when defects are brought to their attention.

The best way I've found to deal with such in both CHL and Hunter Ed. classes is to use such questions as a "teaching tool" and to verbally "simplify" before students take the test.

In fact, on the hunter ed. test question number 2, the answer key answer is so blatantly contradictory to what is in the student's internet study material that I just have 'em circle the "correct" answer on the test before they start. My way of keeping the burro-cats from creating confusion and wasting any more of peoples' time than what they already do.

The test that DPS gave us in August does have the correct answer on the answer key to question #21 ("true" on now-more-remote possibility of civil suit) so I plan to use it again for at least a class next week. I have not even bothered to download the "new" one. I may just wait and see if enough people rag on 'em to get all the bugs worked out before making more copies of what I suspect will be another "smarty britches" test.

So, no, don't deel lonesome. Rant off. For now.

[AEA]

There is apparently two reasons for the trick or obscure questions:

1. It makes people THINK about what has been presented to them.
2. It makes it harder for anyone to make a perfect score in the time allowed.

I believe these two reasons are by intent and will never change. It is apparent on many tests other than CHL and will always be.

[lrb111]

Questions that induce confusion are counter productive. In the short term, and in the long term. In an education atmosphere it's plainly bad policy.

[txinvestigator]

There is no time limit on the test.

Riddle is no longer with the CHL bureau. She retired and hired back in working at the Capitol.

I agree with you Linda. In fact, one answer on the answer sheet is wrong, and another is wrong due to procedural changes at the DPS Driver License Section.

Another is a two part question, and one part is true while the other is false. That makes the whole question false, but some people are getting hung up on it.

I always review the test before giving it. I go over every question and we discuss those that could prove troublesome. I plan on using the new test right away.

[VViper]

DPS has a revised answer key posted on their website. They have at least corrected the answer to question 21.

[DoubleActionCHL]

By writing a tricky or confusing test, the powers that be are forcing us to teach for the test rather than teaching concepts.

The students are supposed to be tested on their knowledge of the material. We have to teach them the material, THEN teach them how to take the test. These people are taking our class to learn about the laws and other important factors of carrying a concealed handgun, not to learn to decipher word puzzles.

In my opinion, this is some egghead's idea of being smart and/or cute. In the long run, it is a disservice to the students. The result is incorrect responses to questions not because they didn't know the material, but because the didn't understand the convoluted manner in which the question was presented.

And I thought the OLD test was poorly written...