1. Writing Test Questions
Elizabeth Morgan
TA Orientation
August 16, 2010

2. Session Goals The purpose of tests
Guidelines for writing multiple choice questions
Writing challenging multiple choice questions
Thinking about writing and grading essay questions

3. The purpose of tests An assessment of student learning
The goal of testing is to figure out what students know or can do
A test can be also be a formative or summative evaluation
It is NOT about tricking students

4. Guidelines for writing MC questions
Which of the following research methods is most helpful for revealing cause-effect relationships?
A. A survey
B. An experiment
C. Correlational research
D. A naturalistic observation
Stem
Distractor
Answer
Alternatives
Distractor
Distractor
Writing good questions is tricky & takes time
Draw on your own experience!
Research shows certain types of questions are better at assessing student learning
Take a minute to share with group about questions you think suck – too easy or annoying.

5. Writing challenging MC questions
Most MC questions assess recognition of facts
Better MC questions assess both Lower and Higher order thinking skills
Remember
Understand
Apply
Analyze
Evaluate
Lower order
Higher order

6. Apply what you’ve learned
Take 10 minutes to read the “text”. Then write at least one lower order and one higher order MC test question and answer based on your reading.
Share with tablemates
Evaluate the questions as a group based on the guidelines
Assess whether is actually measures the type of thinking skill the author intended

7. Writing & grading essay questions
Select an appropriate topic
Anticipate the time allotted & desired length
Be aware of how many “points” it is worth
Consider how it can be graded reliably
Be clear and specific
Again, draw on your experience!

8. Questions? Follow the directions your instructor gives you
When in doubt, ask your instructor for help and/or feedback