Making grading faster, fairer, and easier: Multiple-Choice question construction

Most multiple-choice questions evaluate only the most basic aspects of student learning, and it’s easy for test-wise students to guess the correct answers. These materials will help you learn how to make your multiple-choice questions virtually guess-proof and also more challenging.  It is possible to test analysis, synthesis, and application abilities within your subject area using multiple-choice questions! 

These materials were generated from workshops held as part of a Professors for the Future project conducted by Erin K. Espeland in the spring of 2007.  The workshops were co-sponsored by the Teaching Resources Center.  The powerpoint presentation file as well as accompanying audio is available on this web site.  In addition, you can download a short podcast summary of the main concepts of multiple-choice question writing.  Examples of multiple-choice questions that can be modified for any discipline are included in a word document (Multiple choice stem examples.doc). 

Open both .ppt and audio
PowerPoint
download PowerPoint audio (~20 min.)
download audio summary (~ 7 min)
Multiple choice stem examples.doc