Under the Hood of Test Items

Multiple-choice items, constructed-response questions, and performance tasks yield different kinds of information about student learning. A better understanding of these test item types and how students respond to them can yield a deeper understanding of students’ capabilities and instructional needs. The result is better instructional decision making and higher student achievement.

In this lesson you will be introduced to:

• how multiple-choice, constructed-response, and performance tasks work;
• how students respond to different test item types and the implications for test reliability and validity;
• when and why to use different test item types;
• suggestions for teachers to improve their test creation; and,
• recommended activities and resources to deepen your understanding and use of different test item types.