Structured short-answer questions: an alternative examination method.

A structured short answer (SSA) examination has been developed for the MSc, Community Health in Developing Countries, to test competence in international public health. Questions can test knowledge or aim to assess problem-solving ability, but have the advantage that the candidates construct their own answer (rather than choosing from pre-formed answers in an MCQ), yet encourage sufficient precision for answers to be easily marked. The SSA more closely reflects participatory teaching and self-directed learning. Illustrated material is widely used.