Leren van toetsen

Assessment plays a significant role in the career of medical doctors. Not only are they being assessed, many medical doctors are also involved in teaching which includes the creation of tests. Therefore, knowledge on high quality assessment questions is essential. Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) are commonly used, but allow for cueing, stimulates recognition-based learning and do not align clinical practice. The Very Short Answer Question (VSAQ), an open-ended question with a limited answer, is a good alternative which does not allow for cueing, is authentic and encourages students to study more actively. The marking time of VSAQs is relatively short and plausible alternative answer options are no longer needed. It's time to challenge the limits of our comfort zone and to dare using VSAQs in our assessments more often. This way, good and representative assessments can stimulate the learning process of medical doctors and form a strong fundament for professional practice.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.