Stanford rationale approach
There are a number of different ways multiple-choice exams can be used in the classroom. One such example comes from Stanford University.
The program
The Stanford Learning Lab implemented a new approach to assess student learning by using weekly on-line problem sets for a Human Biology course, The Human Organism. The web-based problem sets created by the Stanford Learning Lab allowed a large lecture class to focus on the individual student, permitting personal and rapid feedback. The class was a large undergraduate course with 2 professors, 5 assistants and 208 students and covered the topic of animal physiology.
During Spring 1998, the faculty team provided a problem set to the students via the Web at the end of each week’s lecture. Graded by computer, the correct answers to the sets were posted on the Web. In addition to selecting a multiple-choice answer to each question, students were required to submit a short “rationale” explaining their answers. The faculty team sorted responses to make it easier to explore frequently-missed questions. The course assistant then used this information to tailor class instruction.
Sample question and rationale:
1. Which of the following has/have intrinsic pacemaker characteristics?
- Medulla
- Pons
- Sinoatrial node
- Atrioventricular node
Ideal rationale:
SA node is the normal pacemaker for the entire heart. AV node also has pacemaker potential, but is overshadowed by SA node. Medulla has pacemaker potential for breathing rhythm as well. Pons helps refine rhythm, but does not have pacemaker potential.
Less–than-ideal rationales:
Offering an incomplete answer:
Normally the SA node is responsible for generating heart rate, and it is able to do this because of its intrinsic rhythm. The AV node also has an intrinsic rhythm, but it is “overshadowed” by that of the SA node.
Providing a quotation from the book:
The sinoatrial node is the pacemaker of the mammalian heart.
Providing irrelevant information:
Stretch receptors are located in the aortic arch and the carotid sinus. They have the ability to respond to changes in pressure.
Restating the answer:
The SA node, AV node, and medulla all possess intrinsic pacemaker characteristics as they all serve as intrinsic pacemakers.
Blind appeal to authority:
This answer is right because Professor Heller said that it was, and Professor Heller is cool.
Worst rationale:
No rationale submitted
Additional information
Schaeffer, E., Michalchik, V., Martin, M. Birks, H., & Nash, J. (1999). Web-based problem sets in the human biology program: Fall 1998. Retrieved July 12, 2006 from Stanford University, Stanford Learning Lab Web site: http://sll.stanford.edu/projects/humbioa/HumBio_2a2b_98.pdf
Nash, J. & Schaeffer, E. (1999, January 11). Web-based coursework proves useful. Speaking of Computers, 49. Retrieved November 3, 2003 from http://acomp.stanford.edu/acpubs/SOC/Back_Issues/SOC49/humbio.html
