The use of interactive on-line formative quizzes in mathematics

In order to improve retention on Level 1 Open University mathematics, we are piloting short interactive internet quizzes. The OU package “Open Mark” is used, enabling students to receive instant feedback, where as previously they had to wait days or weeks. Students are allowed several attempts at each question, with appropriate teaching feedback after each attempt. At the end of each quiz, alongside the mark, relevant study advice is given to the student, including references to appropriate course material. Examples will be given. Administrators can see all student attempts, helping in both modifying questions and feedback and for informing future initiatives. The quizzes are being evaluated using video of actual students “thinking aloud”, whilst attempting the quizzes. User feedback on the pilot quizzes suggests that they are enjoyable as well as helpful to student learning. Authoring and programming of quiz questions is time-consuming. However there is built-in variation, so that questions may appear in different guises for subsequent users and repeat attempts. In the future, it is hoped to link the quiz feedback directly to pdf files of course materials and make these available together with the related quizzes on the OU’s “Open Content” web-site.