Diagnostic tests for better teaching

Rainbow coloured question marks

Source: bellabrend / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Benchmarking students’ ability allows tailored teaching

Diagnostic testing is an efficient way to benchmark a class’s understanding at the beginning of a course. It provides a means to tailor teaching to the needs and misconceptions of the cohort. It is useful after any transition between levels of study, such as GCSE to A-level, National 5 to Highers or secondary to university. Finding or writing good MCQs is an essential first step. Katherine Haxton shares her tips from writing diagnostic tests for her students over the past few years.

Thanks for using Education in Chemistry. You can view one Education in Chemistry article per month as a visitor. 

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access

Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Get all this, plus much more:

  • unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
  • teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
  • applications for funding to support your lessons

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not eligible for Teach Chemistry? Sign up for a personal account instead, or you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.