Open ended questions
Open ended question are great! I enjoy using them because it makes the student think. Part of my job is to make the student apply themselves and open ended questions are the way to do so.
LuAndra,
I use more application questions for my tests. I have found that students enjoy real life experiences and learn more in this way.
Judy Mohammed
I have found comparisons, translations, and interpretational questions most useful during class, but was most impressed by a final open ended application question on new/updated tests recently given. Problem solving real life issues is truly the essence of what I teach and I was very pleased in their responses. Not only did I feel confident in their abilities to problem solve, but I gained more confidence in myself, as one who has the opportunity to guide others.
Maureen,
Open questions encourage discussion and you can usually guage students' understanding.
Judy Mohammed
Some topics lend themselves better to open questions, though I am not saying you can't find areas to use open questions in every topic. I teach one software class that usually requires a lot of memory and application questions. I plan to challenge myself to use a LOT more open questions.
Richard,
I use open ended questions more because they lead to great discussions, which are vital to sociology classes.
Judy Mohammed
