Using multiple choice assessments to prompt

student learningLarge Face-to-face course

Sawa SenzakiHuman Development & Psychology

Multiple choice quizzes increase learning

My case: Intro to human development

� ~ 250 students

� Intro level course (HUM DEV 102)

� Struggle: � Large number of students� Stressful environment RH 250

Scantron vs. onlineOnline (D2) pros

� Students can take it outside of the classroom� Can be a better environment than RH 250� Less stressful for the students� Frees up a class time

� Better feedback

� Paper free, no cost

� Randomization (different blocks)

Scantron vs. onlineScantron pros

� Detailed item analysis

� Discrimination index� Ranges -1.0 to +1.0� .30 or higher, better� 50+ respondents

Some practical suggestions� Use a full statement in the question

� Write the correct response first

� Limit the number of responses (3-5)

� Avoid negative wording

� Avoid ”all (or none) of the above”

� Make the choices grammatically consistent with the stem

Some practical suggestions count’� 5% of questions very easy (90% accuracy)

� 5% of questions difficult (10% accuracy)

� Other questions: average of 50% accuracy