Which approach should instructors avoid when designing assessment items?

Incorporating ambiguity in the questions is an approach that instructors should avoid when designing assessment items because it can lead to confusion and misinterpretation by students. Assessments are intended to effectively measure a learner’s understanding of the material, and when questions are ambiguous, they may not reliably assess knowledge or skills. Clear and specific questions help ensure that students understand exactly what is being asked, allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge accurately.

This clarity is crucial for valid assessment outcomes; ambiguity can skew results and hinder educators’ ability to gauge student learning accurately. Therefore, designing assessments with clear intentions in mind ensures fairness and enhances the quality of the assessment process, fostering a more effective learning environment.