MCQs are often underestimated 😕. They’re perceived as unengaging, easy to solve, and less modern compared to technologies like virtual or augmented reality. However, a well-designed MCQ can truly stimulate your learners' memory and critical thinking!
➡️ Why do MCQs deserve a place in your training? Because it’s less about the format and more about the cognitive load! A well-structured MCQ engages learners and helps them mobilise knowledge applicable in real-world situations.
💡 Key insight
Research has shown that MCQs have a greater impact on memory retention compared to formats that don’t require active knowledge retrieval, commonly used in online training platforms (Roediger & Karpicke, 2006).
This effect goes beyond simple memorisation: studies suggest that MCQs can facilitate knowledge transfer, enabling learners to apply what they’ve learned in new contexts.
🔧 Tips for effective MCQs
1️⃣ Use relevant distractors
Distractors (incorrect answers) should be credible enough to make learners think critically.
✅ Avoid obvious options: Ensure learners can’t eliminate answers without analysing the question!
Tip:
Less is more: Focus on fewer but more relevant distractors instead of including unlikely options for the sake of variety.
2️⃣ Formulate concrete scenarios
Immerse learners by embedding your questions in realistic scenarios.
Describe a situation: Use characters and contexts that relate to your learners’ professional environment.
3️⃣ Use dialogues
Frame scenarios as conversations between two people to make them more dynamic and engaging.
4️⃣ Create linked case studies
Design multiple questions around the same character or context to promote immersion and deepen learning. This approach ensures a more fluid and engaging experience for learners.
5️⃣ Simplify your questions
Ask direct, short, and easy-to-understand questions. This minimises confusion and promotes focused thinking.
Examples:
Decision: What would you do first?
Analysis: What makes this situation problematic?
True or false: Is this argument valid?
🎉 Provide precise and engaging feedback
A well-written feedback response can turn an MCQ into a true learning moment!
Explain why: Offer concise explanations for why an answer is correct or incorrect.
Avoid generalities: Tailor your feedback to the specific question and learner’s response.
🔄 Encourage active reflection
Inspire learners to think critically by adding follow-up questions to your feedback.
🔑 Summarise key points
End each question with a takeaway message, such as a recommendation or a simple fact.
💬 Practical examples
🔎 Frame responses as dialogue
❌ Poor example:
What would you do?
I’d explain to the client that the price is affordable.
I’d tell the client I understand their concern.
I’d show the client what they’d get for that price.
✅ Improved example:
What would you do?
“This price is very reasonable.”
“I understand, it’s not easy to imagine such an expense.”
“For this price, you’re getting unparalleled quality.”
🔎 Keep it simple
Use the language your learners use daily.
❌ Poor example:
What immediate action should you take?
Report the conflict of interest to your supervisor.
✅ Improved example:
What would you do?
I’d talk to my manager.
🔎 Avoid general feedback
Feedback should build directly on the chosen response and its context.
❌ Poor example: This argument doesn’t work—it’s introduced too early in the discussion.
✅ Improved example: If this argument is introduced so early in the discussion, Mehdi won’t understand where you’re heading.
🔎 Prompt learners to reflect
❌ Poor example: This argument doesn’t involve the other party in decision-making.
✅ Improved example: This argument doesn’t involve your interlocutor in decision-making. Can you think of why?
🖊️ Homogenise distractors
Keep distractors consistent in length and information level.
❌ Poor example: Did the freelancer make the right choice?
Yes, they were quicker.
No, this error had repercussions on the entire project that will be hard to fix.
✅ Improved example: Did the freelancer make the right choice?
Yes, they met the deadlines they committed to.
No, this oversight will be hard to fix.
🌟 Key takeaway
MCQs can be innovative and engaging when well-designed. By following these best practices, you’ll create MCQs that captivate learners, stimulate their critical thinking, and support meaningful progress!
Keywords: recommendations, tips, MCQs, key messages
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