In this article we will go over the ways in which tests function within FutureLearn courses, what kind of support learners can get with tests, and discuss peer-graded assignments.
Table of contents:
- Test steps vs quiz steps
- What format are tests given in?
- Can a learner retake a test?
- What is a peer-graded assignment?
Test steps vs quiz steps
As discussed in our How does learning work on FutureLearn the types of activities on a course step can include both test and quiz type steps.
Test steps
A test is a scored assessment which counts towards a course certificate. On each test question a learner gets three attempts to answer, and they lose one point (out of a possible three full points per question) for each incorrect attempt.
The final score for a test is shown on the Certificate of Achievement for that course, and the learner will need to score 70% or above in a course test (or average 70% or above across multiple tests in one course) in order to qualify for a certificate (as well as marking at least 90% of the course steps as complete).
Tests are not available to learners joining a course via the Limited Access option.
Quiz steps
Compared to a test, a quiz is more informal- they are designed to help the learner check their knowledge of the course topics at different points. They can be retaken by the learner any number of times, and do not count towards a course certificate.
What format are tests given in?
Most course tests are multiple-choice, but they can require the selection more than one answer and if the correct selection of answers is not selected the question will be marked as incorrect. Some tests require the learner to fill in the blanks, either a single word or an entire phrase.
Are they timed?
No, learners can take as long as they need to take a test and they can return to earlier steps in the course while answering a test question.
Can a learner retake a test?
Yes! If a learner has scored less than 70% in a course test they are able to retake that test 8 hours after their most recent attempt.
To do so they need to go to the Summary page of the test step, which is the final part of the test.
From there, they can click on the square labelled 'End' in the progress bar underneath the title of the test.
On that page, they should see the option to reset the test score, which will then allow them to take the test again in 8 hours.
Please note that if a learner has already earned a certificate on a course, retaking the test on that course will not change the issuing date on that certificate. You can read more about certificate issuing dates in our guide - proof of completion.
What is a peer-graded assignment?
Peer-graded assignments are course steps in which a learner submits a piece of writing, or a link to a document they have created, in accordance with the outline for that assignment. The work is graded by another learner on the course, hence the label 'peer-graded'. Learners are asked to submit both an assignment and at least two reviews of another learner's assignment if this kind of assignment is included in a course.
Do they count towards a course certificate?
Unless a course is part of an ExpertTrack then a peer-graded assignment does not count towards the course certificate.