January 15 2014
Testing Thinking with a Bubble Sheet: Writing Quality Multiple Choice Questions
Kathy Doig, College of Natural Science
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
11:30 - 1:30
3540 Engineering
Abstract: Multiple choice questions (MCQs) get a bad rap for testing nothing more than memorized information. However, well-written MCQs CAN challenge students to think, apply and analyze. This session will demonstrate how to write quality MCQs to do just that.
Kathy Doig, PhD, MLS(ASCP)SHCM developed an interest in test question writing as a graduate student, taking classes with MSU Professor Emeritus Robert Ebel, formerly with the Educational Testing Service. As a certified medical laboratory professional, Kathy began writing questions for the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel, eventually chairing the Examination Committee. In that role, she taught workshops around the country on multiple choice question writing, particularly addressing the challenges of writing questions that assess more than recall. Her students in Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics will attest that if you study just to recognize a memorized answer, it won’t work on Dr. Doig’s exams. But in addition to teaching faculty how to write good multiple choice tests, Dr. Doig also teaches workshops for students on how to take multiple choice tests. Dr. Doig is Professor in Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics and Program Director for the externally accredited Clinical Laboratory Science major. She teaches hematology, hemostasis and urinalysis as well as professionalism. During her time at MSU she has served as Program Director for BLD and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education in the College of Natural Science.
Video of the Session
Kathy Doig from ANR Communications MSU on Vimeo.