Skills-based multiple choice questions for information literacy instruction

At the American University in Cairo, we have struggled with large enrollment in our information literacy courses. To provide students with immediate feedback and save time grading, we turned to writing multiple choice questions. I will present our model for writing flexible multiple choice questions that engage students in active use of library resources and minimize opportunities for cheating. We originally developed this model for exams and in-class activities, but it can also be applied to other library instruction initiatives, such as pre- and post- one-shot assessment, orientation activities, self-guided “tours” to showcase highlights of online archives, and gamification programs.