November 2024 Protocol of the Month: Purposeful Quiz Questions

Being deliberate and intentional about quiz questions ups the game for all involved.  Good luck and let me know how it goes. 

PURPOSEFUL QUIZ QUESTIONS (Questioning, Feedback)
 
Description: Quizzes take little time to prepare and execute, perfect for snapshot assessments. Creating purposeful quiz questions elevates the value of the endeavor so that the results can be relied upon and action to correct can be taken. 
 
Application: Use these strategies in any subject that use quizzes as an assessment tool. 
 
Process: First, determine the overall assessment goal as that will determine the timing of the quiz.  Is it to check what students know before a lesson? “Assessments for learning” measure students’ levels of prior knowledge. Is it to keep students actively engaged? Quizzes during a lesson keep students on their toes. Is it to ultimately measure what they remember/know/understand? “Assessments of learning” occur at the end of the lesson and it evaluates gathered knowledge.  Second, establish the types of questions to use.  Multiple choice is best to use when there are numerous short answers available. Use Single choice answers when there is one simple correct answer. True-False questions are used to discern student understanding based on a statement. Try Fill-in-the-blank when true understanding, not guessing, is needed.  Third, follow the four guidelines: Use quizzes only when necessary and not as a punishment; use them in an ethical manner, no trick or confusing questions; use relevant and topical material that pertains to the lesson; and keep the length short, review (grade) and return results to students in a timely manner.                   
 
For reference or more information:
https://instructionalstrategies.org/questioning-techniques-teachers/