An open-ended test is a tool that requires students to provide answers to questions in their own words, without limited choices. This can be either a short or long answer. You can combine different question forms here, such as essay questions, short answers, or fill-in-the-blank questions.
With tests with open questions, you can measure the degree of command of knowledge and application of knowledge for a relatively large group of students in a practical way and in a short time. You can gain insight into applied solution routines, argumentation quality or creativity. Partial tests, intermediate tests or partial exams can also be conducted particularly well with open questions.
Formulating questions takes relatively less time than in a test with closed questions, but checking the answers has to be done by hand and is therefore relatively time-consuming. Therefore, this form is less suitable for very large groups (although you can find a balance by using both closed and open questions). Moreover, the scores can be less reliable and contain bias due to possible unwanted evaluator effects.
For a digital version of the test, you take the test in a suitable application. For less weighty formative tests (quizzes), you use the functionality of the electronic learning environment such as Canvas. For summative tests, you use a real test application such as TestVision.
Some advantages of open-ended tests:
- It gives students a chance to show creativity and insight.
- It tests deeper understanding and application of knowledge than an exam with closed questions (provided you do not ask for factual details or concepts from the subject matter).
- You can use it both on paper and digitally.
To use an exam with open questions, you can do the following:
- Make sure you have a test matrix so that you guarantee sufficient spread over the material.
- Provide clear and specific questions aimed at testing the intended competences or knowledge areas.
- Provide clear guidelines and criteria for providing answers.
- Set restrictions on students’ answers, e.g. in the number of words or in the content of the answers, to avoid overly elaborate answers.
- Score students’ answers using an answer model with scoring system.
Want to know more?
- Know your role in the assessment process of VU Amstedam.
- How many questions to include in a multiple-choice test? – Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
- This is how you combine open and closed questions in a test – Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
- Steinke, P., & Fitch, P. (2017). Minimizing Bias When Assessing Student Work. Research & Practice in Assessment, 12, 87–95.
See also: Test with closed questions, Case exam with open-ended questions.
See also: TestVision, Canvas Quizzes, Canvas Assignments.
VU Taxonomy?
Knowledge baseProgramme specific skills in applying knowledge and understanding
Written communication
What total group size?
More than one hundredBetween fifty and one hundred
Up to fifty
Up to twenty five