I am, for the first time in my career, going to begin giving multiple choice questions in my class. This is partly because out intro classes are now around 120 students. But also because I have convinced myself that a good multiple choice test can measure some things well and that if set up appropriately, studying for a good multiple choice test can help student learn. Thus the following questions: 1) Does anyone in Tips-land have an excel spreadsheet or other software that does item analysis in a reasonable manner? I would like to use it to begin developing a good pool of items. 2) I am aware of the advice McKeachie gives for multiple choice "test taking skills" in his excellent "Teaching Tips." Does anyone have other good advice for students studying for a multiple choice exam? Here is the setup I am using this term (I would be pleased to have someone show me flaws in it). I have given students a list of terms and concepts that they should know from the books we are using. I have also set up two cases that all multiple choice items will be about. Thus, the multiple choice items will be about applying the terms/concepts to the cases. The cases are 1) Anna O and 2) the two communities trying Skinnerian ideas, Twin Oaks and Los Horcones. In addition to the multiple choice section there are two take-home, cooperative 1 page essays due on the date of the multiple choice exam. Senior Psych TAs grade these using a coding system we design. Finally, students get credit for preparing a glossary with all the terms in it. This is also due on the day of of the multiple choice exam. We only grade the glossary on a present/absent scale, but it provides a structure and motivation for students to study every term. You can find all this at: http://www.stolaf.edu/people/huff/classes/Intro/Exam1.html I appreciate any comments, but especially guides to item analysis. -Chuck PS: For Lent this year, I think I will eschew talking about religion on Tips. - Chuck Huff Psychology Department - Associate Professor St.Olaf College - Tutor in the Paracollege 1520 St. Olaf Avenue - 507.646.3169 Fax: 646.3774 Northfield, MN 55057-1098 - [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.stolaf.edu/people/huff/
