I’m basically buried in exam-grading right now, and that leads me to the perennial question of how best to design a law school exam.  Up until now, I’ve pretty much stuck to a single format: short essays (such as issue-spotters), in-class (3-3.5 hours), limited open book (they can use assigned materials and their own notes).  I’m wondering whether next year I should mix that up a bit.  For instance, Securities Regulation seems especially well-suited to multiple choice, at least partially; I also wonder whether a take-home exam would allow students to craft more thoughtful answers.

So, consider this a call for commentary: Especially if you teach in the business space, what kind of exam do you find works best, and why? Joan, I know, actually gives oral midterms – which I think is amazing, but I’m not quite ready for – so of the other options, in-class or take home?  Open book or closed?  Multiple choice or something else?  Why do you choose what you choose?