Assessment Series
Description
The Assessment Series includes two to four workshops a year that address a range of assessment topics, such as:
- designing effective rubrics
- writing multiple-choice questions to assess higher order thinking
- designing effective essay questions
- item analysis for multiple-choice questions
- assessing learning online.
2025-26 Series
Writing effective multiple-choice items (MCIs) can be challenging, especially when the goal is to assess higher order thinking. In this workshop, we'll explore how to design MCIs that are aligned with specific learning outcomes and support deeper cognitive learning. Participants will learn to identify different types of MCIs, recognize common mistakes in question writing that undermine question quality, and apply best-practice guidelines for writing questions that assess higher order thinking skills. The use of generative AI to support MCI writing, assessing, or revising will also be discussed. The session will include hands-on opportunities to evaluate and revise existing items to improve their clarity and alignment with learning outcomes.
Series Information
Upcoming Sessions
No session currently scheduled.
Audience
New and/or experienced Western instructors, librarians, and archivists from all disciplinary backgrounds.
Registration
Registration Instructions
- Login to Western Connect using your Western username and password.
- Go to the Event Calendars section and select the Centre for Teaching and Learning calendar, then select the program you wish to register in. Details and a description of the program will appear.
- Select the Register for this Event button. If the event has reached capacity, you may have the option to register on the waitlist.
- You will receive an automated confirmation email to your Western email account.
Offered
Typically two to four times per year. Check Event Calendar for future dates.
Slides from Past Sessions
- Writing Multiple Choice Questions (New)
- Item Analysis for Multiple Choice Exams (New)
- Designing Effective Take Home Exams
- Writing Higher Order Multiple Choice Questions
2023-24 Series
Embedding Flexibility in your Assessments: A Hands-On Workshop
November 27, 2023
2022-23 Series
Writing Multiple-Choice Questions to Assess Higher Order Thinking
November 9, 2022
2021-22 Series
Writing Multiple-Choice Questions
October 19, 2021
The Good, the Bad and The Ugly: Item Analysis for Multiple-Choice Exams
November 17, 2021
2020-21 Series
Writing Multiple-Choice Questions to Assess Higher Order Thinking
October 28, 2020
Designing Effective Take Home Exams
November 19, 2020; Take Home Exams Resource Document
Implementing Group Exams and Group Projects
February 9 and 22, 2021
Strategies for Effective and Efficient Grading
March 8, 2020
2019-20 Series
Writing Multiple-Choice Questions to Assess Higher Order Thinking
October 23, 2019
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Item Analysis for Multiple Choice Exams
February 26, 2020
2018-19 Series
Writing Multiple-Choice Questions to Assess Higher Order Thinking
October 29, 2018
An Introduction to Teaching and Assessing with Cases
March 25, 2019
2017-18 Series
Writing Multiple-Choice Questions
October 23, 2017
Assessing with Rubrics
November 14, 2017
The Good, the Bad, and The Ugly: Item Analysis for Multiple-Choice Exams
March 5, 2018
