Tuesday, November 15, 2011

How to Differentiate Matching Test Questions

Differentiation is very necessary as not all students have the same intellectual ability or go through the same learning process. The differentiated instructions address the needs of the students in such a way that every student, whatever is his/her ability level, finds success with the walls of the classroom. The lessons are effectively modified and different activities are formed according to the skills of a particular student. This same process needs to be followed in the case of multiple choice questions. This is difficult but not at all impossible.



Varying questions forms
At the time of setting multiple choice questions try to create three different question forms - for low, middle and high performing students. This exercise will be time consuming, no doubt, but absolutely necessary to address the needs of the students. When the multiple choice questions are being set for the low performing students try to include as many comprehension questions as possible. You can include many application based questions for the middle performing students while the questions for the high performing students needs to be entirely application based. The three different question sets ensures that all students are learning in their comfort zone and hence have a high chance of gaining success in the classrooms.
Minimizing the options
It can happen that the teachers do not have the requisite time to set different question patterns. To save time teachers can simply reduce the number of options available for a particular question. When the students who have low intellectual ability have few options to choose from then selecting the right answer becomes easier for them and they achieve success in the classroom. The middle and high performing students, though, can be given more options to test their ability.
Identify the key word
There are many students who can select the right option in multiple choice questions without much sweat. But there are many others who may need to some assistance in identifying the correct answer. In order to help the low ability students the teachers can underline the key terms within the questions. The students will then easily spot the most important words.
Answering in a group
Those students who are struggling can benefit a lot from group answering. When a teacher is aware that she has few weak students then the best course of action is to pair them and allow them to work in a pair. This gives the students an idea share ideas between and them and locate the correct answers as quickly as possible. Working in groups helps them to build their skills and gives them the required confidence to tackle these questions alone.
Differentiated test questions is the new approach in teaching as it tests the readiness, skills and interests of the child according to his or her ability. The children with low ability do not suffer from any sort of inferior complex in a classroom. Since different set/type of multiple questions is prepared for them, they feel very confident in the classroom and their success too is ensured.
About the author: Rebecca is a blogger and writer. She loves writing on technology and luxury. Beside this she is fond of autos. She is planning to go on a vacation on La Samanna beach this weekend.

No comments:

Post a Comment