Which type of question should be avoided in effective oral assessments?

In effective oral assessments, puzzle questions with many subparts should be avoided because they can create confusion and make it difficult for students to demonstrate their knowledge coherently. When questions are overly complex or fragmented into multiple components, students may struggle to understand what is being asked or may only address part of the question, leading to incomplete assessments of their understanding. This can result in frustration for both the instructor and the student, as the focus shifts away from meaningful evaluation of knowledge to navigating the intricacies of the question itself.

By contrast, specific questions related to a topic, questions that encourage discussion, and short-answer questions are beneficial in assessing a student's understanding. These types of questions are generally clearer and more focused, allowing students to articulate their knowledge effectively and engage with the material in a constructive way. This fosters a more productive environment for assessment and learning.