DT News - Pakistan - Margalla College of Dentistry trains faculty in effective MCQ development

Dental Tribune Pakistan

Tue. 9 June 2026

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RAWALPINDI: Margalla College of Dentistry (MCD) has conducted a specialized faculty development workshop aimed at strengthening assessment standards and enhancing the quality of examinations in dental education.

The lecture-cum-workshop on Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) Construction was organized by the Department of Medical Education as part of the institution’s ongoing Faculty Development Programme. The training brought together faculty members from various academic departments to improve their understanding of modern assessment methodologies and evidence-based examination design.

The session was facilitated by Brigadier (Retired) Professor Dr. Abdul Rehman, Head of the Department of Prosthodontics and a qualified medical educationist. He discussed the principles of constructing high-quality MCQs and highlighted the role of valid and reliable assessment tools in evaluating students’ knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical competence.

Participants were introduced to key concepts including blueprinting, alignment of assessment items with learning objectives, question validity and reliability, development of effective distractors, and common flaws that can compromise examination quality.

The workshop also featured practical exercises and interactive discussions designed to help faculty members apply assessment principles in real educational settings. Through collaborative learning activities, participants reviewed sample questions, explored strategies for improving examination standards, and shared experiences related to assessment practices in medical and dental education.

Educational experts emphasize that faculty development initiatives play a vital role in maintaining academic standards and supporting competency-based education. As healthcare education continues to evolve, institutions are increasingly focusing on improving assessment literacy among faculty to ensure fair, transparent, and educationally sound evaluation systems.

Officials at Margalla College of Dentistry said the workshop reflects the institution’s commitment to continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and assessment. They noted that strengthening faculty capacity ultimately contributes to better student outcomes and helps prepare future healthcare professionals through robust and objective evaluation methods.

The activity forms part of the college’s broader efforts to promote academic excellence and align educational practices with contemporary standards in medical and dental education.