Constructed Response
Questions
Develops the reasoning faculties of the
student
What is a Constructed Response
Question?
• CRQs are open-ended, short answer questions.
• As the name suggests you have to construct
your own responses to answer these questions.
• Your answer to each of these questions could be
in a few words or a few sentences depending on
what is being asked.
• Answer to CRQs may require more than simply
recall facts. You may have to apply your
knowledge to certain situations, analyze
information or solve problems.
What are CRQs?
• They use a range of primary and secondary
stimuli, and authentic „real world‟examples
including maps, graphs, charts,etc.
• CRQs are based on learning objectives (SLOs)
and build from simple to complex.
• They are composed of defined tasks.
• They are graded against specific criteria.
CRQs project to achieve the aims
of AKU-EB
•
•
•
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Develop an ability to think scientifically
Acquire an ability to perform experiments
Acquire an ability to solve problems
Observe accurately and objectively
Develop imaginative and critical thinking
Targeted skills of CRQs
• CRQs aim to assess

understanding of factual knowledge

ability to synthesize ideas into an
explanation

ability to select evidence to support ideas

ability to analyze a graph, diagram, etc.
• CRQs are based on knowledge, understanding,
application, problem solving, practical activities
and data handling.
What do CRQs ask the student to
do?
• CRQs usually begin with words such as ,
explain, describe, interpret, construct or develop.
• You may be required to compare and contrast,
show cause and effect, identify patterns,
construct graphs or charts, summarize
information, state a conclusion or predict based
on evidence presented.
Strengths and Weaknesses of
Constructed Response
Strengths
• Can assess complex outcomes
• Closer to and cheaper than “authentic” or
“performance” assessment
• Mastery Manager may be used to do item analysis
Weaknesses
• Harder to score than selected response
• Takes more time to sample the content
• Good rubrics needed to minimize subjectivity
How to develop CRQs
• Clearly define the intended learning outcome
(specific learning objective – SLO) to be
assessed by the item.
• Avoid using constructed response questions for
SLOs that are better assessed with other kinds
of assessment.
• Clearly define and situate the task within a
problem situation.
Steps in Creating a Constructed
Response Item
• Establish the target.
• Select the component part(s) of the target to be
included.
• Prepare the constructed response prompt or
exercise.
• Identify the material.
• Specify the kinds of reasoning or problem solving
to be accomplished.
• Point the way to an appropriate response
• Devise scoring criteria.
How to answer CRQs
• The most important thing is to understand the
question.
• Give them what they want!
• Answer all parts of the question.
• Include right specific details in support of your
answer.
• Think, organize and construct.
• Write your response clearly, concisely and
coherently.
Tips for answering CRQs
• Read the constructed response question very
carefully.
• Examine the information provided.
• Identify key words.
• Highlight or underline things you are asked to
do, statements like:
Explain the main idea…..
Use 3 examples to illustrate….
• Write your response coherently and succinctly.
Checking Your Constructed
Response Items
• Try answering your own item – are instructions and
expectations clear?
• Draft your idea of a “very good” response and design a
rubric.
• Think in percentages or letter grades instead of
points (e.g. 5 out of 10 = 50% - a failure!).
• Use “zero credit” sparingly - is the work really the
same as a blank paper? (Yep, sometimes it is!).
• Can you help students “format” or “check over” their
responses?
Do‟s and Don‟ts for Constructed
Response
• Don‟t use constructed response items to assess
individual knowledge targets.
• You can ask more selected response items in the
given time period.
• You can assess a broader sample with selected
response.
• You can score selected response faster.
• Don‟t offer choices.
• Can you hit the target? NOT, Which part of the target
can you hit?
• Students waste precious time making the choice.
Do‟s and Don‟ts for Constructed
Response (Continued)
• Do use constructed response items to
assess larger units with smaller related
elements.
• Do use constructed response items to
assess Reasoning (note: the situation
presented should be “new”).
• Do consider doing this type of assessment
prior to finals week with feedback occurring
during finals week.
The marking criteria of CRQS
• Specify the marks allocated for each question or
part.
• State the grading criteria.
• Use several short questions rather than one long
one.
A CRQ with marking criteria
• The energy requirements for a human body are
50% carbohydrates, 35% fats, and 15% proteins.
a) Why do we need fats? Give two reasons.
b) What will happen if we take less carbohydrates
in our food? Identify two effects.
(4marks)
Mark Scheme
•
a) 1 mark for each reason.
Fat is a very concentrated source of body energy. We need fats because
i)
They provide soluble vitamins A,D,E & K and as much good sources of
vitamins like full cream milk, cheese and eggs.
ii) They provide essential fatty acids which we need like linoleum acid and
alpha-lanoline acid.
•
b) 1 mark for each effect such as
i) Starchy food is very absorbent and holds a lot of water which makes content
of the bowel soft and are easily passed out. Reduced intake will cause
constipation and may cause cancer.
ii) Diverticular disease and hemorrhoids are also caused by low intake of
carbohydrates and starchy foods