TEST INPUT FOR MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

You will have an opportunity this term for input into the Agronomy 354 exams. This is strictly optional on your part and will not influence whatsoever your grade. You will have the advantage, however, that if your question(s) is (are) selected for use on an exam or the final, it is a question for which you already know the answer.

It is difficult to write good multiple-choice test questions that 1) cover major concepts or points presented in the lecture or text, 2) provide viable alternatives that are reasonable so that the uniformed may select one of the alternatives, and 3) has one clear, correct answer. I feel you will find the writing of these questions is a valuable learning experience, especially when you consider the implications of “alternative answers.”

Two types of multiple-choice questions are acceptable. One type is recall, which allows assessment of facts, figures, definitions, etc., and provides the framework of the discipline. These questions ask “what,” “when,” “where,” and “how.” The second type, by the way the more difficult type to write, is application questions. Given what you have learned in Agronomy 354 and given these conditions, what would you expect if ּּּּּּ. These questions ask the “why.” I prefer to use a mixture of both in Agronomy 354 exams.

I may or may not use your question(s) depending on my assessment, and I may wish to make small editorial changes in your question. I may use up to three (3) questions per exam from each student. If I don’t use your question(s), I will be happy to discuss my reasoning with you outside of class.

To give me an opportunity to prepare the exam, please turn in your question(s), or send by e-mail, at least 3 school days before the exam is to be given.

I think you will find this interesting—give it a try! Good luck.