Developing multiple - choice questions in mathematics

• Author(s): Torres, Cristina Maria Dias Pereira ; Lopes, Ana Paula Ferreira Fernandes ; Azevedo, José Manuel Monteiro Lopes ; Babo, Maria de Lurdes
• Date: 2009
• Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/586
• Origin: Repositório Científico do Instituto Politécnico do Porto
• Subject(s): Technology in education; Teaching methods; Mathematics; Multiple-choice test
• Document Type: Article
• Language: English

Description

In this paper we wish to illustrate different perspectives used to create Multiple-Choice questions and we will show how we can improve these in the construction of math tests. As it is known, web technologies have a great influence on student’s behaviour. Based on an on-line project beginning at 2007 which has been contributing to help students on their individual work, we would like to share our experience and thoughts with colleagues who have a common concern when they have the task of constructing Multiple-Choice tests. We feel that Multiple-Choice tests play an important and a very useful supporting role in selfevaluation or self-examination of our students. Nonetheless, good Multiple–Choice Test Items are generally more complex and time-consuming to create than other types of tests. It requires a certain amount of skill. However, this skill maybe increases through study, practice and experience. This paper discusses a number of issues related to the use of Multiple-Choice questions, lists the advantages and disadvantages of this question format contrasting it with open questions. Some examples are given in this context.