Why Write Effective Questions
and Some Definitions
Why learn about question-writing?
The types of questions teachers ask influence what and how students
study, read, practice, etc.
The questions you ask should match what you expect students to learn.
Questions should not give away the answers or be unreasonably difficult.
Teachers need to step back and evaluate whether patterns they learned
when they were asked questions in classes are good patterns to follow.
Penn State has computer-based tools to facilitate asking questions,
analyzing outcomes, and providing feedback. Knowing how to write effective
questions is critical to using these tools effectively.
Definitions
Item - one question
Item analysis - identifies items that differentiate students on
their knowledge of the material. Also provides an indicator of question
difficulty.
Level of question - the level of learning into which the question
falls, from very concrete facts to more abstract levels that include
