Multiple Choice Testing Methods: Is it a Biased Method of Testing for Asian International Students?

摘要

"The use of objective multiple choice testing is now prevalent across most academic disciplines. This testing method has proved to be well suited to western approaches to teaching and learning, which tend to favour a more positivistic approach in education. However, with the growth in the Asian economies, especially China, the university sector has substantially increased enrolments of international students. Yet very little changes have been undertaken in our teaching approaches especially in the area of assessment. In addition very little research has been facilitated with respect to Chinese students and their learning styles within a western framework. This paper examines some of the characteristics of Chinese learning styles and specifically reviews multiple choice testing approaches with a view to establishing if Chinese international students are significantly disadvantaged by them. Specifically, it tests on a large sample of students if tests score results of Chinese students are significantly different to western students. The outcomes of the survey research indicated there are no substantial differences although Australian students spend less time on revision compared to Chinese students.