Scenario-Based Problem Solving for a Multiple-Choice Assessment

Simple questions that require students to recall facts or select correct definitions for terms may be easy to write, but scenario-based problems can offer a more realistic assessment of higher-order thinking skills, as students are asked to engage in the integration of material and to apply their knowledge. Additionally, scenario-based problems can be engaging and relevant to the real world. And because they’re multiple choice, they are always easy to grade.  

The example shown here is quite simplistic, but the idea is to formulate a solid scenario and use it to pose several questions that cause students to use higher-order thinking.  

Scenario: One day, you meet a student watching a bird collect twigs and leaves. When asked what he is doing, he replies, “I’m watching that bird build a nest to lay its eggs.”

Question 1: Which of the following is the best description of his reply?  

1. He is not a careful observer.  
2. He is stating a conclusion only partly derived from his observation.*  
3. He is stating a conclusion entirely drawn from his observation.  
4. He is making no assumptions.

Question 2: Which of the following additional observations would add the most strength to the student’s reply in Question 1?

1. Observing the bird collecting more twigs and leaves.
2. Observing the bird laying eggs in the nest.*
3. Observing the bird feeding its chicks in.
4. Observing the bird singing near the nest.