Anonymous (XXXX) Rubric scoring and item writing.pdf

Robert W.
Lissitz
General Rules for Using, Constructing, and Evaluating Essay Exams
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1. Limit the problem which the
question poses so that it will
have an unequivocal meaning to
most students.
Do
Not
1. Judge papers on the basis of
external factors unless those
have been clearly stipulated.
2. Use words which will convey
clear meaning to the student.
3. Use an essay question for the
purposes it best serves, i.e.,
organization, handling
complicated ideas and writing.
4. Prepare enough questions to
sample the material of the
course broadly, within a
reasonable time limit.
5. Prepare questions which require
considerable thought, but which
can be answered in relatively
few words.
6. Determine in advance how much
weight will be accorded each of
the various elements expected in
a complete answer.
7. Score each question for all
students before looking at the
next question without knowledge
of students names. Use several
scores if possible.
8. Require all students to answer
all questions on the test.
9. Write questions about materials
immediately germane to the
course.
10. Study past questions to
determine how students performed
with them.
2. Make a generalized estimate of a
paper's worth.
3. Construct a test consisting of
only one question.
4. Allow students to select the
particular questions they wish to
answer.