Liberal studies and social studies can offer many different opinions, outlooks, and decisions to the inquisition. Other disciplines of study do not, however, fit into the category of multiple choice. Consider our subject matter, Chemistry. There are endless concepts and theories of chemistry that are observable in the real world, but few are up for debate or consideration in the way that a multiple choice question presents things. In this vein, it can be seen inappropriate to assess a students knowledge of chemistry concepts based on multiple choice questions alone. Like many subject areas, chemistry concepts should be presented as opportunities to explore and discuss the ways each concept plays a role in the world we live in. Students can write about the steps and methods of concepts and theories and express their knowledge in the procedural science of experimentation.
One of my favorite ways to assess learning in chemistry is with open response theory and calculations. For example if a concept is based on a theory with an equation, students would be responsible for being able to address that concept by explaining the components of the theory and equation as well as using variables and and appropriate steps to solve real-world examples of chemistry. The assessment then is focused on the ideas and knowledge the student brings to the problem in order to solve and the methods and steps used to get an answer. The answer itself is actually not as important to me as the steps and ideas the student took in order to get an answer.
