Offers the final word on the measurement-driven instruction (MDI) debate in this "Kappan" issue. Claims that Popham's article is internally inconsistent and provides no examples of well-constructed, instructionally illuminative tests. Also lacking are teacher testimonials and evidence that MDI programs are cost-effective or oriented…

This book explains writing effective multiple-choice test items and studying responses to items to evaluate and improve them, two topics that are very important in the development of many cognitive tests. The chapters are: (1) "Providing a Context for Multiple-Choice Testing"; (2) "Constructed-Response and Multiple-Choice Item Formats"; (3)…

Purpose: To provide educationalists with an understanding of the key quality issues relating to multiple-choice tests, and a set of guidelines for the quality assurance of such tests. Design/methodology/approach: The discussion of quality issues is structured to reflect the order in which those issues naturally arise. It covers the design of…

Explains the construction and use of three advanced-level English-as-a-foreign-language reading comprehension exercises, using a combination of multiple choice and cloze formats. (EKN)

Discusses effects of test question order on student performance. Addresses (1) differences in the distribution of scores on each form of the examination; (2) effects on the validity of individual examination items; and (3) effects on the reliability of the examination instrument. Concludes that distribution of examination scores may be influenced…

This program produces multiple-choice examinations from a pool of questions created by the user. The output is a printed copy of the exam and an answer key. The program is written in Applesoft BASIC and requires an Apple II Plus computer with 32K, a disk drive, and a printer. (MP)

The Alberta Canada Social Studies examination for grade 12 contains 70 multiple choice questions and two essay questions. The multiple choice questions cover political ideologies, economics, world geography, world history, and current events. The questions are often related to political cartoons, charts, maps or a series of quotations reproduced…

In this practical, easy-to-use guide, suggestions are made for setting educational objectives and preparing a teacher-made test. Specific suggestions are made for selecting items for essay tests, multiple choice tests, completion tests, matching tests, and true-false tests. (BW)

Program specifics, problems, modification, and use of a general quiz program that can be utilized by teachers with essentially no programing experience are described. A printout of the program is included. Written in BASIC for the TRS-80 I/II, it can be adapted to any computer. (MBR)

Nonrestricted-answer, multiple-choice test items are recommended as a way of including more facts and fewer incorrect answers in test items, and they do not cue successful guessing as restricted multiple choice items can. Examination construction, scoring, and reliability are discussed. (MSE)

Compared are two approaches to exam writing in which the narrative approach is described as a novel, creative, and integrated learning opportunity. In this approach, a single system is chosen in which questions are asked that challenge the student to perceive interrelationships between principles and details previously learned. (CS)

A list of materials and construction instructions are provided for making a Buzz Stick and Question Box, an inexpensive, technologically advanced teaching device that serves to reinforce classroom instruction with a self-correcting, independent activity. Any activity that uses a multiple-choice format is appropriate for the device. (JDD)

This collection of manuals contains the Manitoba Provincial Chemistry Examination for students seeking credit in Senior 4 Chemistry (Chemistry 300) and instructions for its use and grading. The examination is based on the Core Topics of the Senior 4 Chemistry course and accounts for 30% of the student's final grade in the course. The examination…

Presented are common words and phrases which are encountered in the statistical analysis of test results. Included are analysis of the mid-point, distribution of scores, calculation of scaled scores, test reliability, item analysis, and coefficients of reliability. (CS)

Described is an instrument for assessing science/technology/society (STS) literacy developed for a STS course. The interactive character of key science concepts used by various scientists, engineers, humanists, and social scientists lecturing in the course is emphasized. A copy of the exam and an STS literacy dictionary are included. (KR)