Identify effective strategies for different types of exam questions (e.g., multiple choice, short answer, essay)
Apply these strategies to sample questions
15-20 minutes
Reflection Post
Share one strategy you plan to use on your next exam. Explain why you think that strategy will be helpful.
Introduction
Give students a quick overview of what their next exam for your class will look like and which types of questions will be on the exam.
Have 1-2 students share why understanding different question types matters.
If no one responds, share with students that each question format tests different thinking skills (recall, application, synthesis) and requires a different approach.
Question Deconstruction Activity
Share with students 3-4 sample exam questions (that have either appeared on a previous exam or that are very similar to ones from an upcoming exam). If possible, share different types of question formats, such as multiple choice, short answer, essay question, problem-solving, etc.
Have students work in small groups to
Deconstruct each question: what is this question asking you to do?
Identify what skills or knowledge is being assessed.
Identify a strategy to tackle that question type.
Whole-Class Debrief
For each sample question you provided, have 1-2 groups share their deconstruction of the question and the strategy they chose.
Emphasize how strategies may vary but should align with the cognitive demand of the question.
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