Of course you can’t provide feedback unless you have a question and possible answers, so this week I thought I’d follow up with some of the guidelines EPI uses for writing e-learning assessment questions.
DON'T | DO |
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Write questions after you write the lesson or course content. | Write questions first to be sure all questions are aligned with course objectives, avoid information overload, and enable you to create job-relevant practice activities. |
Use wordy or confusing questions. | Try to limit questions to one sentence that is clear, concise, and unambiguous. Remember: In most cases, learners can’t ask for clarification. |
Provide silly or obviously incorrect answers. | Use realistic answers. This may take more time and work with subject matter experts (SMEs), but will result in better questions. |
Use questions that require simply regurgitating information provided in the course content. |
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Expect learners to memorize information unless memorizing it is actually required for their job. | On the screen introducing the quiz, provide links to job aids or other relevant resources. Explain that learners should download the resources to use when answering the quiz questions |
Provide an inconsistent number of answer options. For example, three choices for some questions, five for another question, and six for another. | Use a consistent number of answer options: usually three or four. This helps learners know what to expect for each question and helps avoid crowding the text to fit in more answer options. |
Make the correct answer the longest answer. | Make answer choices that are about the same length. |
Use abbreviations and unexplained acronyms unless you are testing for knowledge of what the abbreviation or acronym means. | Define the abbreviation or acronym the first time it is used on the screen. |
Place questions that practice applying new knowledge and information only at the end of a module or course. | Use questions throughout the lessons to provide practice applying what was just learned. |
Assume learners know what to do to answer each question. | Provide clear directions presented in text on the same screen with the question and answers. It may seem obvious to you how to answer a drag and drop question, but it may not be obvious to all the learners. |
Provide quiz question directions using only audio. | Provide directions in text even when you’re using audio in case learners miss part of the audio directions. |
Darlene Ferras
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