Multiple Choice Tests: More than a Time Saver for Teachers

Abstract

Multiple choice tests are usually used as an assessment tool for courses with many students. However, such tests bear much more potential for education. We have used them as online training tool in the form of a geotechnical quiz. Students can use this test in addition to the regular face-to-face classroom classes, in which traditional engineering calculation examples are trained, in the sense of blended learning. The test tries to emphasise that learning can be fun. Right and wrong answers are commented immediately after submitting the choices and hints are given to understand the correct solution. A second independent online test is provided, which directly simulates the multiple choice part of the written exam. The exam is completed by calculation examples similar to those trained in the regular classes. We have evaluated both multiple choice tests in terms of acceptance and learning impact. They have proofed to be a useful additional tool in teaching. Online multiple choice tests can be recommended although their preparation needs a huge amount of work power.