Using Moodle to write a quiz was quite simple for me. In my experience I have that Mathematics lends itself quite well to the multiple choice/on line assessing. I picked the types of questions that were asked for in the assignment requirements and picked the subject matter that I felt best suited that type of format. For example absolute value and like term questions lend themselves well to matching questions. They are straightforward yes or no type questions. True /False would also work well for these but a matching question allows you to ask more questions at a time. Multiple choice style questions work well for one step algebra questions where the question is really testing one operation being completed at a time. I used the short answer options for the longer two-step algebra questions so the student can “show their work” and I would be able to see where they may be going off track and needing some redirection. For essay questions I set up “problems” a student has to work out mathematically and explain why/how they did which operations they chose.

I do agree with Gibbs and Simpson when they say that multiple choice test can lead to surface studying rather than studying for a deep understanding (2005).   For this introduction, unit I believe that a quick assessment to see if the students understand the basics of Math 9 and ready to move onto the Math 10 course, a surface view will suffice.

Gibbs, G., & Simpson, C. (2005). Conditions under which assessment supports students’ learning. Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, 1(1), 3-31. Retrieved from http://www.open.ac.uk/fast/pdfs/Gibbs%20and%20Simpson%202004-05.pdf