Higher Order Thinking Multiple Choice Questions
Today, many students do not handle paragraph questions very well. Also, teachers have a much heavier load to carry; dealing with several problems generalized in our present society. Because of this, many teachers use multiple choice questions for the large sections of exams. If this is the case, may I submit to you that the multiple choice questions should include several HOW and WHY aspects of your course. If students are only studying the what and which questions, they may not try to truly understand the course topics. Without proper understanding, there will be little opportunity for long term memory and application. Also, a solid foundation for further courses can be promoted if we teach for and evaluate the frameworks laid down in the brain.
Here are a few samples of multiple choice questions that are not simply testing for memorization:
1. HOW is the louder "lub" sound of the heart caused?
a) The A-V Valves open allowing a sudden rush of blood into the ventricles
b) The Semi-lunar valves close abruptly when arteries "snap back"
c)The A-V valves close at ventricular systole
d)The A-V valves close at ventricular diastole
2. HOW does the pacemaker function in the conduction system of the heart?
a) The pacemaker sends impulses directly to the right auricle and another heart component
b)The pacemaker sets the pace for the heart rate
c)The pacemaker sends impulses directly to the bundle of His
d)The pacemaker generates impulses at a lower frequency than other components of the heart to stabilize the heart beat
e) None of the above
3. HOW do the baroreceptors function?
a) They stretch when blood pressure is too high
b) They send impulses along sensory nerves
c) They send impulses to the pacemaker
d) They are in the heart rate center for control of blood pressure
e) Both a) and b)
4. HOW is insulin important in carbohydrate metabolism?
a)It promotes uptake of glucose by cells to lower blood glucose level
b) It raises blood glucose levels so energy is available
c) It promotes conversion of glucagon to glycogen in the liver
d) None of the above
5. HOW is it possible to live without eating sugar since the same brain cells quickly die without a glucose supply?
a) The liver is capable of changing amino acids to sugar
b) The brain takes in amino acids and changes them to glucose
c) The brain uses fructose instead
d) None of the above
6. WHAT is the cardiac sphincter for?
a)It allows the cardiac muscle to recieve oxygen
b)It allows food to leave the stomach and enter the intestine
c) It allows food to enter the stomach
d) It prevents the heart from inflamation to cause heartburn
e) Both a) and d)
Click here for instructions on how to convert a straight recall questions to a higher order thinking questions
