Diving into a great book is fun—but then facing a quiz afterward? Not really!
Reading “to the test” takes the fun out of reading and can create negative associations rather than foster a lifelong love of books. This is one of many reasons why it’s time to rethink quiz-based reading programs.
What Is Quiz-Based Reading?
Simply put, quiz-based reading uses quizzes to assess a reader’s text comprehension. Teachers may use quizzes to determine how well students recall main ideas and understand subtext in assigned readings. Quiz-based reading does seem like an effective assessment method at a glance. However, more and more educators are moving away from reading quizzes.
Why Quiz-Based Reading Approaches Fall Short
While some teachers use quiz-based reading to motivate students, it can have the opposite effect. Quiz-based reading approaches become harmful when students are more focused on achieving a test score than the experience of reading.
Reading quiz programs like Accelerated Reader can lead to testing fatigue and feelings of discouragement. Students can develop a negative association with reading rather than foster a lifelong love of books.
The pressure of being quizzed on what they’ve read can contribute to testing anxiety and increase student stressors. This is especially true for unmotivated readers who may already be struggling to keep up with their classmates.
Another downside of quiz-based reading approaches is that they don’t always provide comprehensive data. A multiple-choice or short-answer quiz is limited in the amount of information it can collect, and comprehension quizzes don’t give a full picture of students’ reading performance and improvement.
Benefits of Shifting Away From Quiz-Based Reading Models
Moving away from reading quizzes in favor of different assessment models can improve the reading culture in your classroom for both students and teachers.
Less Stress
One of the many benefits of moving away from quiz-based reading models is shifting students’ mindsets. Students will develop a positive relationship with reading by focusing on time spent reading rather than a test score. They will no longer associate the stress of quizzes with reading and will feel more encouraged to read independently.
More Effective Assessment
Moving away from quizzes means creating the opportunity to collect more comprehensive data. By changing how students interact with reading, teachers can gain valuable insight into their students’ strengths, interests, and needs.
Customizable
Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of shifting away from quiz-based reading is that you can make it work for you! Not everyone reads the same way, so they shouldn’t be tested the same way. Develop an individualized learning plan and choose a reading assessment method that meets the diverse learning needs of your students. All readers can work together while going at their own pace and level.
How to Transition Away From Quiz-Based Reading Approaches
So you’ve decided to switch from reading quizzes to something new, but how do you ensure a smooth transition?
Change Your Mindset
You’re leading the charge in adopting new reading approaches, and students will look to you for guidance. Remember to model the right attitude and share your excitement about reading. Understand that you’ll look for different student progress markers and outcomes than quiz-based reading. Change your mindset and encourage students to use their effort and reading time.
Take a Student-Centered Approach
If you’re unsure what assessment method is right for your classroom, look to your students. Observe their needs, habits, and interests. Are there certain subjects they like to read about? Are they excited about working toward a goal? Understanding your students is a key element in transitioning away from quiz-based reading.
Use the Right Tools
With so many incredible educational resources and tools available, there’s no reason you have to do it alone. Using technology like Beanstack will help you and your students make the transition in a fun and easy way.
Beanstack: An Approach That Fosters a Love for Reading
Beanstack is here to help you build a strong reading culture that supports all readers at every level. Depending on your school or classroom's needs, use the right features to get the most out of the platform.
Offers Reading Accountability Features
Beanstack emphasizes time spent reading and the idea that all reading counts, rather than quizzes. Trusting that kids have integrity when they report their reading time may be a concern, especially if they’re used to striving for a specific score. Reading integrity features give kids guardrails and make it easier for educators to ensure integrity through a digital platform.
Includes Lexile Insights for Educators
Allowing students to self-select what they read is important in fostering a lifelong love of reading. Students will be more excited to engage with books they’re excited about, strengthening recall and comprehension. Lexile Insights offers real-time data insights for titles students are reading, and educators can celebrate success, address concerns, and measure progress over time.
Builds a Reading Community
Healthy competition between students encourages them to hold each other accountable and work together. Use Beanstack to grow a community reading culture that takes a collaborative approach to reading. Students can work together toward a common goal in reading challenges and engage in fun gamification elements, regardless of their reading level.
Encourages a Lifelong Love of Reading
There are many key differences between Beanstack and quiz-based reading models. Unlike reading quiz programs that have students work toward a test score and cause stress, Beanstack encourages the development of positive lifelong reading habits. By building a positive relationship with reading, students will continue independent reading and develop skills they’ll use far beyond the classroom.
Schedule a Demo Today
Are you ready to bring Beanstack to your school district as an alternative to quiz-based reading programs? Reach out to schedule a demo or request a quote today!