Writing Subjective Test Items

Islamic University of Maldives

Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Course

AHS Campus

Prepared by: Mohamed Nasir

Writing Subjective Test Items

Subjective tests, including short answer essays, extended-response essays, problem-solving, and performance tasks, demand original answers, evaluated based on the examiner's judgment. Although more challenging and costly to prepare, administer, and assess, subjective tests can offer greater validity. Designing clear and precise prompts is crucial. Subjective tests encompass short answer and essay questions.

Short Answer Questions: Short answer questions, often used to assess basic knowledge, lack a fixed structure. Answers vary from one word to a few lines, sometimes presented in bullet points.

Examples:

1. MHz measures the _________________ of the computer.
2. List the different types of tests.
3. State the third law of motion.

Advantages of Short Answer Questions:

• Fast to mark and versatile.
• Suitable for formative and summative assessments.
• Prevents guessing; students must provide answers.

Disadvantages of Short Answer Questions:

• Limited to questions, allowing short responses.
• Wording precision is crucial.
• Scoring can be influenced by handwriting/spelling skills.

Constructing Short Answer Questions:

• Align with learning objectives.
• Use precise language and specify the desired response.
• Indicate the expected answer format (single word, short phrase).
• Provide instructions on scoring and acceptable formats.
• Prepare a structured marking sheet.

Essay Tests: Understanding the Basics Essay tests, derived from the French word ‘essayer,’ require lengthy written responses, offering freedom of expression. Two types exist restricted response (controlled scope) and extended response (freedom of depth and organization).

Advantages of Essay Tests:

• Promotes creativity and problem-solving.
• Measures complex learning outcomes.
• Enhances writing and organizational skills.
• Applicable for higher cognitive levels.
• Economical and easy to administer.

Disadvantages of Essay Tests:

• Subjectivity in grading.
• It is time-consuming to grade.
• Limited coverage of course content.
• Language proficiency affects performance.

Making Essay Tests Less Subjective:

• Avoid open-ended questions.
• Use standardized questions.
• Anonymize student identities during grading.

Scoring Essay Tests Objectively:

• Prepare an ideal answer key.
• Choose appropriate scoring methods (analytic or global).
• Control irrelevant factors like handwriting.
• Evaluate anonymously.
• Obtain independent ratings for important decisions.

References:

Doher, G. (1991). Do teachers' comments on students' papers help? College Teaching, 39, 48-54.

Perkins, D. (1993). Teaching for understanding. American Educator, 17(3), 8 and 28-35.

Steele, C. W. (1992). Critique: don't bash. Writing and Learning, 3(1), 5-6.

Online Source:

Effective Grading of Writing Assignments