Question writing

Workshop Description

If you are currently involved with teaching our Sheffield Medical Students and interested in developing assessments for the MBChB programme, then this workshop is for you. We will consider assessment theory and the processes that sets a high standard for quality in written papers. We will focus on different types of written assessment including the single best answer (SBA), short answer questions (SAQ) and VSA (very short answer) questions.  

The workshops are delivered in two parts; 

• Part 1 (1.5h) You will gain an understanding of the basic assessment theory, procedures and rules for question writing. 

• There will then be a 2/3 week break, giving you a chance to draft some questions. 

• Part 2 (1.5h) We will discuss your questions and review them with the idea to create a draft for submission to the Director of Assessment, and eventually for inclusion in the Sheffield bank.

Aims

•  Gain an understanding of the basic assessment theory, procedures and rules for question writing. 

Learning Outcomes

1. Compare the different types of clinical assessments used in undergraduate exams.

2. Identify how standards are set in undergraduate clinical assessments and appreciate the process of blue printing.

3. Create a novel assessment (OSCE station, SBA, SAQ, VSA), working alongside colleagues and then critique and peer review them.