Evaluating the nonverbal communication skills of nursing students.

: Despite the fact that essay tests have been under attack, teachers continue to use them. Although preparation and scoring of questions can be problematic, they can, however, be employed successfully if the teacher 1) recognizes their limitations, 2) prepares the questions carefully so that they will test what the teacher intends, and 3) uses methods of scoring that will judge the answers as accurately as possible. With continued practice, the teachers can develop skill in using the essay format.