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10. Improve the essay question through preview and review.
The following steps can help you improve an essay item before and after you hand
it out to your students making the essay question much more
effective for both you and the student.
Preview (before handing out the essay question to the students)
a. Predict student responses.
Try to respond to the question from the perspective of a typical student.
Evaluate whether students have the content knowledge and the skills
necessary to adequately respond to the question. Repair any possible
weaknesses of the essay question before handing out the exam.
b. Write a model answer.
Before using a question, write model answer(s) or at least an outline of
major points that should be included in an answer. Writing the model
answer allows reflection on the clarity of the essay question. Furthermore,
the model answer(s) serve as a basis for grading students’ responses.
Once the model answer has been written compare its alignment with the
essay question and the intended learning outcome and make changes as
needed to assure that the intended learning outcome, the essay question, and
the model answer are aligned with each other.
c. Ask a knowledgeable colleague to critically review the essay question,
the model answer, and the intended learning outcome for alignment.
Before using the essay question on a test, ask a person knowledgeable in the
subject (colleague, teaching assistant, etc.) to critically review the essay
question, the model answer, and the intended learning outcome to determine
how well they are aligned with each other. Based on the intended learning
outcome, revise the question as needed. By having someone else look at the
test the likelihood of creating effective test items is increased. Try asking a
colleague or TA to evaluate the essay questions based on the guidelines for
constructing essay questions contained in this booklet.
Review (after receiving the student responses)
d. Review student responses to the essay question.
After students complete the essay questions, carefully review the range of
answers given and the manner in which students seem to have interpreted
the question. Make revisions based on the findings. Writing good essay
questions is a process that requires time and practice. Carefully studying the
student responses can help evaluate students' understanding of the question
as well as the effectiveness of the question in assessing the intended
learning outcomes.