What are the best ways to use multiple-choice questions in curriculum assessment?

1 Align with learning outcomes

The first step to using MCQs is to ensure that they align with the intended learning outcomes of your course or program. Learning outcomes are statements that describe what students should be able to do or demonstrate after completing a learning activity or a unit of study. They should be clear, specific, and measurable, and reflect the level of cognitive skills required by the curriculum. For example, if your learning outcome is to analyze the impact of globalization on different regions, you should not use MCQs that only test factual knowledge or comprehension. Instead, you should design MCQs that require students to apply, evaluate, or synthesize information from various sources and perspectives.

3 Use feedback and scoring methods

The third step to using MCQs is to use feedback and scoring methods that support your assessment purpose and learning goals. Feedback is the information that you provide to the students after they complete the MCQs, such as the correct answers, explanations, or references. Feedback can help students identify their strengths and weaknesses, correct their misunderstandings, and improve their learning strategies. Scoring is the method that you use to assign points or grades to the students' responses, such as the number of correct answers, the percentage of correct answers, or the difficulty level of the questions. Scoring can help you measure the students' performance, compare the results with the expected standards, and adjust your teaching methods accordingly.

5 Combine with other assessment methods

The fifth step to using MCQs is to combine them with other assessment methods that can complement or supplement their strengths and limitations. MCQs are useful for assessing a large number of students, covering a broad range of topics, and providing objective and consistent feedback. However, they are not suitable for assessing some aspects of learning, such as creativity, communication, collaboration, or reflection. Therefore, you should use MCQs in conjunction with other methods, such as essays, presentations, projects, or portfolios, that can assess these aspects and provide a more holistic and authentic picture of the students' learning.

6 Enhance your teaching and learning

The final step to using MCQs is to enhance your teaching and learning by using them not only as a summative assessment tool, but also as a formative assessment tool. Formative assessment is the ongoing process of gathering and using evidence of learning to inform and improve instruction and learning. You can use MCQs as a formative assessment tool by using them during or after your lectures, tutorials, or online activities, and using the feedback and results to monitor the students' progress, identify their needs and interests, and adjust your teaching strategies accordingly. You can also use MCQs to engage the students in active learning, such as by using them as a pre-test, a post-test, a review tool, or a peer-assessment tool, and encouraging the students to discuss, explain, or justify their answers.