Book: Write Better Multiple-Choice Questions to Assess Learning by Patti Shank, PhD

Write Better Multiple-Choice Questions to Assess Learning: Measure What Matters—Evidence-Informed Tactics for Multiple-Choice Questions by Patti Shank, PhD

In Write Better Multiple-Choice Questions to Assess Learning, Patti Shank provides a comprehensive guide for crafting effective multiple-choice assessments that accurately measure learning outcomes. The book emphasizes the importance of aligning questions with well-defined learning objectives and offers evidence-based strategies to construct questions that assess not only recall but also higher-order thinking skills. Shank delves into common pitfalls in question design and provides practical solutions to avoid them, ensuring that assessments are both valid and reliable. With numerous examples, exercises, and job aids, this resource equips instructional designers and educators with the tools needed to create assessments that truly reflect learner understanding and promote meaningful learning.

Patti Shank, PhD, is an internationally recognized workplace learning expert, instructional designer, researcher, and author. With a PhD from the University of Colorado, Denver, her research on online learners has received accolades, including an EDMEDIA best research paper award. Shank has been consistently listed among the most influential figures in e-learning and instructional design. She has authored several notable books, such as Write and Organize for Deeper Learning and Manage Memory for Deeper Learning, which focus on evidence-based tactics to enhance instructional effectiveness. Beyond writing, she facilitates online courses aimed at improving assessment design and learning outcomes.

Workplace learning professionals will find actionable value in this book through its clear, research-backed guidance on designing multiple-choice questions that go beyond rote memorization. By applying Shank’s methodologies, instructional designers and trainers can develop assessments that accurately measure desired competencies, provide meaningful feedback, and drive performance improvement within organizations. The practical tools and insights offered make it an essential resource for enhancing the quality and effectiveness of workplace learning assessments.