Comparing two online quizzes: Formative Assessment

This post aims to compare the design of two online quizzes to determine how each design impacts student learning.

Formative assessment is a process used to:

  • Identify what students already know and where they need more support to reach the desired learning outcomes.
  • Provide feedback that the student can use to increase learning before a final assessment. For example, using feedback from a draft assignment that can be used to increase understanding for future revisions.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the instruction during the learning process so the teacher can adjust instruction to meet students’ needs.

Quizzes are one option for providing formative assessments

The purpose of a quiz is for a learner to: 

  1. Gain feedback about how well they understand the material. 
  2. Reduce anxiety/build confidence in how well they understand the material. 
  3. Have opportunity to determine where they need further growth before a summative evaluation.

 

Activity: Complete the following two quizzes.

No prior knowledge is required, and it will take less than 3 minutes to complete both quizzes.

Both quizzes are regarding formative assessment; however, the content is not important for the purpose of this activity. Simply reflect on how you experienced each quiz as a learner.

Quiz #1: tinyurl.com/ycr5uxqv Quiz #2: tinyurl.com/ybmjv9cr
QR code for Quiz 1 QR code Quiz 2
Click the URL in the table or scan the QR code to access the online quizzes

 

Reflections: 

  1. Which quiz do you think was most effective and why?
  2. Which quiz best aligns with the USask Assessment Principles?
  3. Did you notice that the first quiz was timed, had no clear purpose, and was graded?
  4. Did you notice that the second quiz that had a clear purpose, unlimited tries, and provided feedback on each question.
  5. Was your experience or reflections similar to that of comments from others who have completed both quizzes?

Quiz 1 - comments:

  • I wasn’t spending as much time as I needed to on each question because I wanted to make sure I got it done before the time was up. 
  • I was intimidated by the mark. Especially because I was just practicing.
  • There was a lot of pressure. 

Quiz 2 - comments:

  • I liked the feedback on why I got some questions wrong. It helped me understand gaps in my learning.

 

For support with formative assessment or other assessment practices, please connect with the Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching and Learning. 

This resource is shared by the Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching and Learning (GMCTL), University of Saskatchewan, under a CC BY-NC-SA license.