A1 Journal article (refereed)
Measuring higher-order cognitive skills with multiple choice questions : potentials and pitfalls of Finnish teacher education entrance (2023)

Haataja, E. S. H., Tolvanen, A., Vilppu, H., Kallio, M., Peltonen, J., & Metsäpelto, R.-L. (2023). Measuring higher-order cognitive skills with multiple choice questions : potentials and pitfalls of Finnish teacher education entrance. Teaching and Teacher Education, 122, Article 103943. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2022.103943

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Haataja, Eeva S. H.; Tolvanen, Asko; Vilppu, Henna; Kallio, Manne; Peltonen, Jouni; Metsäpelto, Riitta-Leena

Journal or series: Teaching and Teacher Education

ISSN: 0742-051X

eISSN: 1879-2480

Publication year: 2023

Volume: 122

Article number: 103943

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2022.103943

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/85033

Abstract

This mixed methods study examines the structure of the multiple-choice exam for student selection in Finnish teacher education. Through qualitative content analysis, we categorized multiple-choice questions into items that assessed lower- and higher-order cognitive processes based on the Revised Bloom's Taxonomy. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses yielded four factors that represented lower- and higher-order cognitive processing skills and comprehension of empirical and theoretical items. These were associated with matriculation examination grades, especially with the average grade and the mother tongue grade. When developing future multiple-choice exams for admissions, we recommend emphasizing higher-order processing skills and the role of source materials.

Keywords: student admissions; teacher training; evaluation; entrance examinations

Free keywords: higher-order processing skills; multiple-choice questions; student selection; teacher education; revised Bloom's taxonomy

Contributing organizations

Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2023

Preliminary JUFO rating: 3