In a step toward elevating academic excellence, Al-Kindy College of Medicine – University of Baghdad brought together faculty members for a dynamic workshop titled “Designing Multiple-Choice and Short Essay Questions and How to Prepare a Blueprint.”
Led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Raghad Imad Al-Din Naji, the session highlighted how great assessments are the heart of great education.
Recognizing that exams shape the way students learn, the workshop put a spotlight on the real art of assessment — designing questions that are fair, meaningful, and aligned with learning goals.
The session focused on two powerful tools: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs), known for checking broad knowledge, and Short Essay Questions, which dive deep into students’ understanding and critical thinking.
What Made This Workshop Stand Out?
Dr. Raghad introduced participants to the Blueprint — a strategic tool that ensures exams are balanced, fair, and cover the entire course material thoroughly.
She explained how careful planning of MCQs and essay questions can:
Match questions directly to learning objectives,
Balance difficulty levels,
And maintain fairness across student evaluations.
Using clear and simple language when crafting questions was another key takeaway, avoiding tricky wording that could confuse students rather than test their knowledge.
When it came to short essays, the workshop stressed linking questions directly to course goals, fairly distributing points, and emphasizing clinical case scenarios — ensuring students are truly applying what they learn.
This event wasn’t just about exams; it was about shaping a better future.
Dr. Raghad wrapped up by encouraging faculty to keep:
Writing clear and achievable learning objectives,
Leveraging modern technology and academic best practices,
And listening to feedback through regular surveys from both students and staff to keep improving the assessment process.
Through initiatives like this, Al-Kindy College of Medicine proves its commitment to fostering smarter learning environments — where every exam is a meaningful step toward building tomorrow’s leaders in medicine.
