Have you noticed that a certain format works better for you when testing? Does having it on paper or computer change the quality of your performance? Is one way actually better than the other?

In a survey sent out to students at BJHS, 44.7% of students said they preferred paper; 31.9% of students said they preferred computer, and for the remaining 23.4% it didn’t make much difference.

Advantages of Paper

No timer per question; feeling less rushed

Being able to work out problems more easily

Enjoying writing

Easier to check answers

Possible partial credit for showing work

Not having to worry about computer issues such as charging

Strained eyes and headaches from looking at computer

Easier to take notes

Easier to concentrate

Having a better visual idea of the problem

Overall, testing on paper seems to allow students to get a visual idea of everything they’re doing, facilitating their abilities to focus on standardized tests and to see connections. Clearly, paper is an effective method of standardized testing for many students. However, many of these variables depend on the students themselves and what they are comfortable with. 

Advantages of Computer

Being accustomed to using computers for everyday things

Having computer settings to help with note taking

Easier to go back to earlier questions

Not having to flip pages

Not enjoying writing

Better focus

Enjoying typing

No hand cramping

Faster typing than writing

No handwriting issues

Computer does have many advantages when it comes to standardized testing. Many tools can be built into tests that are taken on the computer, giving students help and clarity with note-taking, as well as the opportunity to quickly see and go back to questions they are unsure about. This can make focusing easier for many students and also helps them with testing.

Both Methods Are Useful

Many of these reasons impact different students differently based on which tests are being taken, as well as their own personal experiences. What might make testing more stressful for one student could easily do the opposite for another. This is likely why 23.4% of students who completed the survey said that it didn’t matter whether it was on paper or computer. Based on this information, it appears that having some standardized tests on paper and others on the computer is helpful for students. Rather than consistently providing a format that is helpful for some students and hurtful for others, having different formats on different tests can help students adapt to taking tests in different ways and provide more students an opportunity to test using the format more comfortable for them.