Case study: Online assessment for practice and exams

Origin

School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol

Tools used

Questionmark Perception

Contact

Kate Whittington, k.whittington@bristol.ac.uk

Further information

MSc in Reproduction and Development

Objectives

The set of formative tests aim to guide the student through the syllabus on specific topics. They are given feedback for incorrect answers

Background

School of Clinical Sciences, provides an innovative MSc programme making extensive use of the Internet to provide a comprehensive theoretical foundation in the areas of Human Reproduction and Development. Online assessment is one of the practices used to assess students at a distance.

What was done

The Unit runs 43 formative tests throughout the year and students have to submit by set dates. They also sit online exams, in Bristol, at the end of the course.

The formative tests aim to guide the student through the syllabus on specific topics. They are given feedback for incorrect answers. We take the mark of the first full submission for a coursework contribution but students are able to redo the test up to the time of the exam to aid their revision. The 8 exams are for summative assessments only and no feedback is given.

Outcomes

These tests are very popular with students. They like the instant feedback of the coursework tests and the instant marking of the exams. Running the exams online also reduces the amount of marking needed.