Short-Answer Items Should Not Be Classified as Objective Items - Essay Example

For most of the simple learning outcomes, factual information and adjustment to some form of selection item may not reduce the rationality of the measurement and will cause an increase in the ease of scoring and objectivity. For complicated learning outcomes, for example, those of sciences and mathematics, rejecting the short answer may require one to change the learning outcome, therefore decreasing the legitimacy of the intended outcomes.

1. Under what conditions are it preferable to use a matching item rather than some other item type? When should matching items be avoided?
Matching items are preferably used to measure factual information that is based on simple associations. When a learning outcome stresses the capability of identifying the connection between two things and an adequate number of similar responses and premises can be acquired, a matching item will also be preferable. It is an efficient and compact way of measuring the outcomes of simple knowledge. They can also be used with pictorial materials in relating words and pictures or recognizing locations on diagrams, charts, and maps. Matching items should be avoided when measuring factual information based on learning that is vulnerable to the existence of extraneous clues. It should also be avoided when using homogenous material that is vital from the perspective of learning and objective items.

2. In an area in which you are teaching or plan to teach, construct five short-answer items, five true-false items, and one five-alternative matching exercise. State the objectives being measured by the items.

Short-answer items
1. A person who cannot see is referred to as a? Blind
The objective being measured is the knowledge of the student regarding disability
2. A condition whereby the body is vulnerable to losing fluids is? Dehydration.
The objective is to test if the student knows the conditions of the body
3. Omnivorous animals are those animals that can consume? Both meat and herbs
The question is meant to test if the student can recognize animal eating habits
4. A cheetah is the fastest animal
This question tests if the student identifies animals in terms of their speed or running capabilities
5. A person who designs a building is called an architect.
This question tests if the student recognizes professions

True-false items
1. 6:50 pm means ten minutes to seven. T or F?
T. The question is meant to test the student’s knowledge of time reading
2. Isaac Newton was the first man to discover gravitational force. T or F?
T. The question tests the student’s knowledge of historical human discovery
3. To glide means to fly. T or F?
F. The objective of the question is to test if the student differentiates between flying and gliding
4. Christopher Columbus discovered America. T or F?
T. The question is meant to test the student’s knowledge of History
5. A warthog is an ugly animal. T or F?
T. Tests the if students can identify a warthog
Alternative matching exercise

If………………. I would have eaten the chicken.
a) Could have gone
b) Should have gone
c) Had gone
d) Went
e) Go

The question is meant to test the student’s grammar skills. Read More