Short multiple choice quizzes can be an effective way for teachers to assess students' overall grasp of the material and reinforce learning. When they are built in as a routine, low stakes method of assessment, students will not feel so stressed and they can help guide teaching and studying. Structuring the multiple choice questions specific to the goal is important for getting the benefits as a learning tool. The Learning Scientists blog provides more of the research on how to make multiple choice quizzing effective.