Multiple Choice
Multiple Choice can be used to target common misconceptions and mistakes.
At their best, Multiple Choice questions should require a degree of cognitive struggle balanced against a realistic chance of success. By doing so, they should generate ‘desirable thinking’ - not too easy; not too difficult.
With this in mind, the distractors (incorrect answers) should require at least some degree of thought. If they can be dismissed out of hand without this, they probably aren’t worth including.
Because answers can be abbreviated by letters (A, B, C, D, etc.), they lend themselves beautifully to Show-me Boards. Students can write their answer quickly, and teachers can check everyone’s board in a short period of time.
Focused reflection
How well do you currently use this technique?
Is it a technique you will focus on developing?
If so, what are the key features you will focus on (things to do, and not do)?