Simple Strategies for Better Quizzes

By: Justin Ferriman • September 25, 2014
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quiz-picQuizzing is an integral part of any learning program. We use quizzes to verify that someone understands the key takeaways of the course content, and can apply those principles accordingly.

Many continuing education programs require that a quiz is successfully passed (in addition to other criteria) before the user receives credit for the course. In a schooling environment, passing quizzes is how students progress to the next grade.

It is no wonder that quizzing is also used quite heavily in elearning.

Creating an effective quiz takes considerable effort. Still, you can increase the effectiveness of the quiz by following some implementing some simple techniques.

Simple Quizzing Strategies

  • Break-up course content with one to three quiz questions (not graded) after each section. This helps to drive-home the section objectives.
  • Aim for only 20-30% of your questions being “true or false”. True or false questions are often least effective.
  • Multiple choice questions should have four potential options, rarely three.
  • Avoid using “none of the above” as an option for multiple choice. Questions that use this as the actual answer don’t measure learning but run the risk of falling into the “trick question” category, which really isn’t the point of education.
  • Add a time-limit to your final quizzes. This deters people from searching online resources for potential answers.
  • Award points, badges, and certificates for additional motivation.
  • Allow the learner the opportunity to retake the quiz (when applicable).
  • Always use a question bank. This comes in handy in preventing cheating, and also is useful if you plan to allow multiple quiz attempts.

Justin Ferriman

Justin started LearnDash, the WordPress LMS trusted by Fortune 500 companies, major universities, training organizations, and entrepreneurs worldwide. He is currently founder & CEO of GapScout. Justin’s Homepage | GapScout | Twitter