It is no secret that certain people perform better on multiple-choice tests. It is also no secret that others perform well on essay styled tests. Instructors should give students the choice at the end of their semester whether they would like to have a multiple-choice or essay styled final. Obviously there will be times when this isn’t possible. However when it can be done, this would only help teachers in knowing whether their students actually learned something. If the student doesn’t perform well on the final then they clearly didn’t know the subject. There is no more room for excuses.
Obviously, there are individuals in both camps. I prefer an essay styled test most of the time, however there are many subjects where multiple-choice tests are way easier for me. At the same time there are those of you who couldn’t pass a multiple choice test if your life depended on it. You would rather write a thousand page essays than have to bubble in 150 little circles where you have to choose between the same four letters and you know it isn’t “all of the above.” I know many people who are near phobic over multiple-choice tests. This just shows how different we are, and how hard it is in certain areas for us to show our competency.
So how hard could it be? Teachers, when you’re making up your next final, come up with a good question that would reflect clear understanding of the material and ideas covered in the semester. Then, give your students a chance to impress you and let them pick their poison. Who knows, you may actually be impressed. A student, who would have otherwise failed, may show a good understanding if given a different way to showcase their knowledge.