Feedback on Multiple Choice Assessments

Feedback provided to examinees after formative assessments influences future learning and performance on subsequent assessments. Feedback is “one of the most powerful influences on learning” (Hattie & Timperley, 2007). Providing information that promotes self-regulated and self-directed learning helps students develop as professionals. While some types of feedback encourage and support improvement, other forms of feedback can reduce motivation and hinder learner engagement. This chapter reviews important aspects of multiple-choice question (MCQ) test design, exam scores, key psychometric concepts, and offers advice on how to provide useful, individual feedback after written examinations.