[Year 12 IT Apps] Exam 'analysis'

[Mark Kelly]

Yes, it should be (R)DBMS, but I said 'database' deliberately as an 
example of a bad, ambiguous question.

Usually the DBMS/database meaning is clear by its context; if not, it 
can cause ambiguity.

I tell my kids that if they get badly-worded questions, they would be 
wise to explain their interpretation in their answer (except in multiple 
choice where explanations can't be given).

e.g. "If 'database' means RDBMS, the answer is X; if it refers to the 
information product of a RDBMS, the answer is Y."

And yes, one would expect the end-of-year exam to carefully use correct 
IT terms and clear simple English - but not even the study design 
enforces the database/DBMS distinction consistently.

And we know the exam has many times had vague and ambiguous questions.

And you needn't apologise about being pedantic: if pedantry were 
abolished, I'd have nothing to do all day  :-)

Robert Hind wrote:
> Sorry to be pedantic - but
> 
> Filemaker and Access are not databases. They are database management 
> systems
> 
> Robert Hind (Semi-retired)
> Ex Traralgon and Ashwood
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark Kelly" <kel at mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au>
> To: "Year 12 IT Applications Teachers' Mailing List" 
> <itapps at edulists.com.au>
> Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2008 12:01 PM
> Subject: Re: [Year 12 IT Apps] Exam 'analysis'
> 
> 
>> Does the question contain any "red flag" words that, if confused, 
>> could make your entire irrelevant (e.g. data vs information, 
>> information product vs software tool [grin]), efficiency vs 
>> effectiveness)
>>
>> Does the question break down into parts? (e.g. "Give legal and ethical 
>> consequences for staff and customers" = 4 things to discuss).
>>
>> Does the question include a case study that the answer must relate to, 
>> rather than talk in generalities?
>>
>> Does the question give a specific number of items required? (e.g. Give 
>> 2 reasons why...")
>>
>> Is the question badly worded and could be interpreted in more than one 
>> way?  e.g. "Give two examples of databases" = Filemaker/Access OR 
>> "student records database/music collection database".
>>
>> Does the question rule out certain possible responses? e.g. "Apart 
>> from efficiency factors, give two criteria..."
>>
>> HTH.
>>
>> SAMANTHA MITCHELL wrote:
>>> Hi listers,
>>> I am going to send my students to the holidays with the 2007 exam 
>>> paper. Normally I would just ask them to complete it, but this year 
>>> I'm going to ask them to analyse the questions rather than answer 
>>> them. Here are my ideas so far & I'm hoping you might be able to add 
>>> some.
>>> Cheers,
>>> Samantha Mitchell
>>> MIldura Senior College
>>>  *For each question of Part A - 'Multiple Choice':*
>>>
>>>     * Highlight the '*key*' words
>>>     * Write down the '*topic*'
>>>     * Write down the *page number* in 'Potts' that discusses this topic
>>>       HINT: pages (vi) & (vii) may be useful
>>> *
>>>
>>> *For each question of Part B -  'Short-Answer':*
>>>
>>>     * Highlight the *'key'* words
>>>     * Highlight the *'question stem(s)'*
>>>     * Write down the *'topic'*
>>>     * Write down the *page number* in 'Potts' that discusses this topic
>>>       HINT: pages (vi) & (vii) may be useful
>>>
>>
>>
>> -- 
>> Mark Kelly
>> Manager - Information Systems
>> McKinnon Secondary College
>> McKinnon Rd McKinnon 3204, Victoria, Australia
>> Direct line / Voicemail: 8520 9085
>> School Phone +613 8520 9000
>> School Fax +613 95789253
>> kel AT mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au
>>
>> Webmaster - http://www.mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au
>> IT Lecture notes: http://vceit.com
>> Moderator: IT Applications Mailing List
>>
>> A conclusion is the place where you got sick of thinking.
>>


-- 
Mark Kelly
Manager - Information Systems
McKinnon Secondary College
McKinnon Rd McKinnon 3204, Victoria, Australia
Direct line / Voicemail: 8520 9085
School Phone +613 8520 9000
School Fax +613 95789253
kel AT mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au

Webmaster - http://www.mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au
IT Lecture notes: http://vceit.com
Moderator: IT Applications Mailing List

A conclusion is the place where you got sick of thinking.