Loading...Brief Description of Resource
A guided group assignment that directs students in using AI to generate multiple choice and short answer practice questions based on course learning objectives. Students evaluate and edit the questions and AI generated answers to ultimately be compiled by the instructor into a practice resource for the class.
Using AI to Generate Practice Questions for Studying (group activity)
Generative AI is a resource that you can use to create additional practice questions based on any of the learning objectives in this class. In this activity, you will have the opportunity to use generative AI to create and critique two practice questions, and these practice questions will be gathered into a resource that can be used by the class as a study tool.
- Keep in mind that generative AI can be wrong. AI is great at generating ideas for questions but can get the facts incorrect. ChatGPT 3.5 created this multiple-choice question based on the learning objective, “Describe at least three functions that proteins serve in cells.”
Which of the following describes functions that proteins serve in cells?
A) Storing genetic information, facilitating cellular communication, and providing structural support
B) Regulating metabolic processes, catalyzing chemical reactions, and transporting molecules across cell membranes.
C) Producing energy through photosynthesis, maintaining cell shape, and storing excess nutrients.
D) Secreting hormones, transmitting nerve impulses, and providing energy storage.
As a group review the question above. Discuss all the answer choices. Is there a clear correct answer? Are any parts of the incorrect answers correct? Write a summary of your discussion below.
- As a group, select a learning objective from the current unit to write multiple-choice practice question about. Copy/Paste the learning objective below.
Use ChatGPT (https://chatgpt.com/) to write a multiple-choice question using a prompt similar to: write a multiple choice question about “paste text of learning objective” for a college biology course. You can try other prompts to see if you get similar or different results. Note: you do not need a ChatGPT account to complete this activity, just type into the chat box to get started. Copy and paste the question and answers below.
Which answer does the AI state is correct? If the answer is correct, describe why it is correct. If it is not correct, edit it to make it correct and describe why it was not correct. Discuss each incorrect answer with your group. Are the incorrect answers completely incorrect? If not edit any ambiguous answers to make them completely incorrect. Write your edited question and answers below. Highlight the correct answer.
Does this question assess the learning objective that you chose? In other words, what does someone answering the question need to know to answer the question correctly – does this knowledge align with the learning objective?
- Next, choose a different learning objective from the current unit to assess by creating a short answer practice question. Copy and paste the selected learning objective below.
Use ChatGPT to generate a short answer question using a prompt similar to: write a short answer question about “topic related to the learning objective” for a college biology course. Here you may need to summarize the learning objective or enter only part of the learning objective in the prompt or the AI may just reword the LO as a question. Limiting the length of the answer may also create a question more similar to a question you might see on a test. Example prompt “write a short answer question about protein structure for a college biology class that can each be answered in one sentence”. Edit the question for clarity and write it below.
If the AI provided an example answer to the short answer question, discuss the answer with your group. If the AI did not provide an answer, you can ask it to provide one. Is the answer accurate and complete? Is it the only correct answer to the question? Edit the answer to make it accurate and complete. Write the answer below.
Does this question assess the learning objective that you chose? In other words, what does someone answering the question need to know to answer the question correctly – does this knowledge align with the learning objective?
- How could you ask AI to generate a list of practice questions that would be helpful for studying? What prompt might you use?
Submit the short multiple choice and short answer question you generated to your instructor. Your instructor will compile a list of questions and answers for you to use to prepare for the upcoming test.
Instructions for Implementation
This is a small group activity that would work well in a recitation or co-seminar. Students complete the activity in groups and submit two final questions to a discussion board on Canvas.
AI Tool Used
ChatGPT
Prep Time needed
10-30 minutes to tailor the questions to a specific course. Text highlighted in blue and underlined is discipline specific. A content specific question would be helpful for question 1.
Classroom Time Needed
25-30 min.
Student Learning Outcomes
-Use AI to generate multiple choice and short answer practice questions
-Evaluate AI generated answers to practice questions
-Edit questions for accuracy and completeness and the question’s ability to address the intended learning objective.
Assessment Considerations
Participation credit recommended
Recommended Course Size
Recitation or co-seminar for a large lecture course
Recommended Discipline
Any disciple that has assessments with multiple choice and/or short answer questions.
Student Role
Students work in groups to generate and evaluate questions.
Instructor Role
Facilitate small group discussions especially about question accuracy or how to evaluate accuracy.
