Dennis,
You raise excellent and thorough points regarding the ineffectiveness of some types of assessment questions. I too, having taught at the post-secondary level for years as well as developed curriculum and assessment tools, have an appreciation for valid and authentic assessment. I have always been, though, a proponent of utilizing the "none of the above" option from time to time because I think it may cause one to think of other possible solutions for an answer as opposed to one of the forced-choice responses. It also facilitates one to look at the other given options more closely. I must say, though, you have me thinking. :-)
Utilizing forced-choice questions is sometimes a double-edged sword when used for assessment - certainly has its place if the questions are written carefully so as to cause thinking as opposed to just a rote activity, but can be challenging in measuring one's real comprehension.
I appreciate your comments as well as your level of interest and participation, and encourage any additional feedback from you regarding instructional techniques or assessment design and application. Thanks so much!
Jay Hollowell
MaxKnowledge
