Open book examinations are a type of assessment where students use books, notes, and other reference materials during the exam. Developing questions for an open book examination requires careful planning and consideration to ensure that the questions are challenging and evaluate the students’ understanding of the subject matter. Here are the steps to develop questions for an open book examination:
Step 1: Identify the Learning Outcomes
The first step in developing questions for an open book examination is to identify the learning outcomes. Learning outcomes are the skills and knowledge that students should have learned by the end of the course. These learning outcomes should be in line with the course objectives and should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
Step 2: Determine the Question Types
The second step is to determine the types of questions that will be in the open book examination. Some of the common types of questions include multiple-choice, true/false, short answer, essay, and problem-solving questions. The type of questions used will depend on the learning outcomes and the type of assessment required.
Step 3: Create the Questions
The next step is to create the questions based on the learning outcomes and question types. The questions should be clear, concise, and unambiguous. The questions should also be challenging enough to test the students’ understanding of the subject matter. It is important to avoid questions that a student can easily answer by simply copying information from the reference materials.
Step 4: Test the Questions
Before using the questions in an open book examination, it is important to test the questions to ensure that they are valid and reliable. This can be done by having a small group of students answer the questions and providing feedback on the clarity, relevance, and difficulty of the questions.
Step 5: Revise the Questions
Based on the feedback received, revise the questions as necessary to ensure that they are valid and reliable. It is important to make sure that the questions are fair and unbiased, and that they do not disadvantage any group of students.
Step 6: Set the Exam
Once the questions have been finalized, set the exam paper. It is important to include clear instructions on the use of reference materials and the expectations for citing sources. It is also important to include clear marking criteria for each question to ensure that the marking is consistent and fair.
conclusion
Developing questions for an open book examination requires careful planning and consideration. By following these steps, teachers can create challenging and meaningful assessments that evaluate students’ understanding of the subject matter while also promoting the development of research and critical thinking skills.