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Multiple-Choice Test

Introduction

This page gives you access to an example of a Multiple-Choice test that lets you experience - in the role of the student - how such a test works in Vista with the aim to encourage you to develop a test version adapted to your course. You will also find a pedagogical reflection and a step by step instruction for setting up such a test in Vista. Further information concerning Multiple Choice Tests in Vista can be found in Part 4, Chapter 7, Sect: "Creating Assessments" in the Designers and Instructors Reference, Blackboard Vista 4 (pdf, 2 MB), p 75 & 664.

Click this screen shot and than "Vista Demos - Assessment-Demos" for access to the example.

Usage Comments

This test type is as well under as overestimated. The range goes from the belief that they just test data-facts to the conviction to be able to test nearly every thing. Without taking sides we can state, that well donne multiple choice questions require students to make fine distinctions between correct and nearly-correct statements. Such distinctions can involve thinking for synthesis, analysis, and application. And yes, it is very easy to produce badly designed MC-tests that are formulated in a way that students can guess the right answer, or worse, that they get confuses. We therefor strongly recommend treachers without formal trainig for MC-tests to consult Tutorial: how to write a good MC-Question, Anleitung zur Herstellung von MC-Fragen, Example questions for assessing (D), (F).

How to do it in Vista

It is more or less a three step process.

1. Create the questions and their answer choices.
2. Create an Assessment with Questions
3. Editing Quiz Properties

Create the questions and their answer choices

You can create questions from either the Questions or Question Database screen:

• From the Questions screen, under Create Questions, click Multiple Choice. The Create Multiple Choice Question screen appears.
• From the Question Database screen, from the Create question drop-down list, select Multiple Choice, and click the Go icon. The Create Multiple Choice Question screen appears.

In the Create Multiple Choice Question screen:

1. In the Title text box, enter a title. The question title identifies the question when searching the Question Database. When Section Students view the question, the question title appears at the top of the question.
2. In the Question text box, specify the question text and format. If you want i.e. to use the HTML-creator, select the corresponding check box and wait for the screen to adapt.
3. If you want, insert an equation.
4. If you want to add an image to display with the question click Browse and select the image you want to add.
5. Next to Select mode, select One answer.
6. Specify the answer text and format
7. In the Answer text boxes, enter the answers.
8. Specify the feedback text and format.
9. For the correct answer, select Correct response.
10. Next to Answer layout, select one of the following:
11. • To make the answers appear under each other in one column, select Vertical.
    • To make the answers appear next to each other from left to right, select Horizontal.
12. Next to Answer labels, select whether the answers should be identified by Numbers or Letters.
13. Next to Randomize answer ordering, select Yes or No.
14. If you want to provide Section Students with general feedback about the question next to More Options, click the Expand/Collapse icon. The More Options section expands.
15. All questions are automatically stored in the Question Database. Since the Question Database can contain thousands of questions, it's a good idea to organize questions into categories. If you want to add the question to a category next to More Options, click the Expand/Collapse icon. The More Options section expands.
16. To add the question to an existing category, select Specify an existing category, and from the drop-down list, select the category.
17. If you want to preview the question to ensure it displays and grades correctly click Preview. The Preview Question pop-up window appears and the question is displayed as it will appear in the Section Student view.
18. If you want to check the grading scheme and feedback select your answer and click Grade. The Graded for pop-up window appears and the answers are displayed, including the grade and any feedback.
19. Click Close. The Create Multiple Choice Question screen appears.
20. Click Save. The Questions or Question Database screen appears and the question is added.

Next you need to Create an Assessment with Questions

Other Resources Concerning this Subject

• Introduction to MC_Tests for Students: Understanding Multiple Choice Questions
• For details on the areas for which True False tests are most valuable consult Assessment Methods: Multiple Choice Tests and Tips and Traps for Multiple-Choice Questions .
• Consult also the HOWTOs: View Assessment Submissions.