As a part of TA work, I need to give questions for major exams. I need to evaluate the answer sheets of students later.
Let us consider the following simple examples of questions:
1) Briefly describe natural numbers.
The answer to this question is not unique. It depends totally on the student's perspective on natural numbers. And the answer is generally long.
2) How many natural numbers are there in total? Is 6.6 a natural number?
The answer to this question is too short (Infinite, No). The answer does not depend on the student's perspective on natural numbers. It tests the knowledge of students regarding natural numbers.
I want to give questions of second type, which can test the student's knowledge and intelligence in detail and avoids long answers, ambiguous answers, long evaluation time, partial marking, unnecessary bargaining for marks by students, etc.
But some of my colleagues and faculty are saying that it is similar to multiple choice questions and fill in the blank questions, which are not recommended for major exams, which need long answers. I am confused, but strongly want to give answers of type 2 (single line answers).
Assume that there is no copying during exams.