Using a Data-Driven Approach to Write Better Exams

Like many faculty members, I started teaching as a subject matter expert without a formal background in education. My examination questions were either based on questions I recall from my personal experience as an undergraduate or questions provided to me by more senior faculty. Since a poorly written exam could mean the difference between a student passing or failing my class, I wanted to learn more about exam design. What makes a good exam question? A good exam?

To continue reading, you must be a Teaching Professor Subscriber. Please log in or sign up for full access.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles

I have two loves: teaching and learning. Although I love them for different reasons, I’ve been passionate about...
I’ll probably never stream Netflix’s The Chair or read Julie Schumacher’s Dear Committee Members trilogy, even though colleagues...
As we gear up for a new semester, how can we ensure our planned collaborative activities and related...
When instructors sit down to write their syllabi before the semester, one challenge they face is how to...
I love family trips. Whether it’s a summer or winter getaway or a long weekend during the school...
Just as collaboration strengthens the quality and rigor of our research, it can also strengthen the quality and...
When a student turns in an early draft of a research paper, business plan, design project, or any...

Create a free account, or log in.

Gain access to limited free articles, news alerts, and select newsletters

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Login here

Get unlimited access to The Teaching Professor

Stay informed. Subscribe Now.

WELCOME OFFER

$19.00 $14.00/month

for your first 6 months. Use coupon code TP6MO.

$19.00 thereafter. Cancel anytime.

Enjoy unlimited access to all of The Teaching Professor

You only have  free article views remaining.

WELCOME OFFER

$19.00 $14.00/month

for your first 6 months. Use coupon code TP6MO.

$19.00 a month thereafter. Cancel anytime.

<!-- This site is converting visitors into subscribers and customers with OptinMonster - https://optinmonster.com :: Campaign Title: Reader Survey 2026 --> <script>(function(d,u,ac){var s=d.createElement('script');s.type='text/javascript';s.src='https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js';s.async=true;s.dataset.user=u;s.dataset.campaign=ac;d.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(s);})(document,6063,'i4icjbiidtzffhxinqwt');</script> <!-- / OptinMonster -->