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You are here: Ideas and Issues in E-Learning --> Supplemental Resources for the Book Designing E-Learning --> Chapter 4 --> Writing Criterion-Referenced Test Questions from Learning Objectives

Writing Criterion-Referenced Test Questions from Learning Objectives

The only appropriate test questions are the ones that emerge directly from the objectives. In fact, the only appropriate exercises in an online learning course are ones that also emerge directly from the objectives. Although other questions and exercises might entertain learners, because they do not directly relate to the objectives, they ultimately distract learners from the purpose at hand.

The action verb in the objective suggests the question word that should be used. The rest of the objective usually suggests the rest of the question, as shown in these examples.

Objective

Sample Test Question

Match the countries with their capitals.

Match the country with its capital

  1. France
  2. Cameroon
  3. Japan
  4. Thailand
  5. Brazil
  1. Douala
  2. Brasilia
  3. Paris
  4. Bangkok
  5. Tokyo

Name the key steps in the instructional design process according to Dick & Carey.

Name the key steps in the instructional design process, according to Dick & Carey. (note there's no change.)

Describe at least three key benefits to small businesses of the X35 copier.

Martin Industries, which has 35 employees and $1.2m annual revenues, has decided to replace its copiers. Gina Loprieno, Office Manager, has invited you to make a presentation to the company in an effort to win the business. During the question and answer period, Gina comments, "This seems like a great copier, but one that's better suited to a company that's much larger than ours. Why should we consider what seems to be more copier than we need?"

Using only the wordless instructions, install the desktop PC within 15 minutes and without errors.

Perform the following task: Install the desktop PC in the box provided. You may use the instructions included in the box.

You have just received the package with the new desk top computer. Install it.

(Instructor: Use this check list when observing the performer and check off each box as the user performs it (or indicate that the user did not perform the task).

  1. Unpack the box.
  2. Identify components.
  3. Attach keyboard to system unit.

Using effectiveness criteria provided in class, recognize an effectively written performance plan.

On the following pages are samples of three performance plans. Indicate below which of the 3 are effective, according to the criteria discussed in class.

(Instructor: You might develop an observation list to check off criteria mentioned in the response.)

Given a business case, evaluate the potential opportunity for e-commerce.

Read the following case. Afterwards, evaluate the potential opportunity for e-commerce. Specifically name the criteria used in the evaluation.

(You might develop an observation list to check off criteria mentioned in the response. Leave room for criteria developed by the learner.)

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