Inspera provides functionality to set up assessments with multiple attempts, so supporting use with Core Assessments but also providing the opportunity to create developmental learning opportunities for students.
This article pulls together key points to be considered when using tests that are set up using multiple attempts. The topics covered are:
- Specifying attempt time windows
- Students viewing scores when using multiple attempts
- Giving students extra time in tests using multiple attempts
Specifying attempt time windows
When using Multiple Attempts it is possible to set attempt time windows, that is to specify specific times when the different attempts will be available. If this option is used it is important to note that for students who do not make a submission for the initial, available attempts then they will not be able to automatically access subsequent attempts. Where attempt windows have been specified and this situation arises, the first attempt will need to be reopened by modifying the test end time. This will allow access for all students who did not access the initial attempt.
The above issue only applies where attempt windows are specified. Using the ‘System Automatically Creates Attempts’ will mean that students access the attempts in sequence and this issue will not arise. It is recommended that ‘System Automatically Creates Attempts’ is used unless there is a clear reason to have specified time windows.
Students viewing scores when using multiple attempts
When a test has been set up with multiple attempts students can view their highest score across the different attempts via the Candidate Dashboard. They access this via https://coventryassessment.inspera.com/ By accessing the dashboard and selecting the appropriate test it will show them the highest score they have achieved and also allow them to see scores for each attempt. The score is presented as a numeric value out of the total available for the test. It is not presented as a percentage or in Pass/Fail format.
Giving students extra time in tests using Multiple Attempts
Where multiple attempts are used, such as with Core Assessments, a ‘child’ test is created for each attempt in addition to the main (parent) test. So, for example, if a test is created with 3 attempts, then in the Deliver module in Inspera you will see the main test plus three child tests, called Attempt 1 …, Attempt 2 … and Attempt 3 ….
To add additional time for students such that it applies to all the child tests this must be given to the students before the test is activated. If the test has already been activated then it will be necessary to add the extra on each of the child tests (Attempts), not on the main test. The options available therefore are:
Before test is activated:
- Add additional time for the relevant students in the ‘Manage’ list and this will apply to all the child tests.
After test is activated:
- Before the start date begin, you can deactivate the test and follow the step above.
- After the start date begins, it will be necessary to add the extra on each of the child tests (Attempts).
For more details on giving extra time see this article:
