Back to Test Manager

Creating a Random Block Test

What it is.

A random block test randomly pulls a set number of questions from a question pool.  Each student that takes the test, or each time the test is taken, and new set of random questions is generated.  A random block question is different than the other question options in Test Manager in that it requires you to have a question pool from which to pull questions.

Implications for Teaching and Learning.

This kind of test helps to ensure that students are getting individualized assessments and that no two are alike.  Test Manager generates these individualized assessments for the instructor and is a much easier and quicker solution to providing a random assessment.

Setting it Up.

In order to use the Random Block feature, you must have a test pool to pull questions from.  First you set up your question pool in Pool Manager.  (For more information see Pool Manager.)  In order to use this feature, you must have more questions in your pool than you plan on using for your test.  A good rule of thumb is to have twice as many questions in your pool as you want to use in your test.

To Create Your Test in Test Manager:

1.  Access Test Manager through the control panel.

2.  Select Add Test.

3.  Provide a Name, Description, and Instructions for your test and then click Submit.

4.  In the Test Canvas screen, select Random Block from the drop down Add menu and then click Go.

5.  Click on the pool that you want to use and select what type of questions from that pool that you want to add. 

6.  Determine how many questions you want to import - this is the total number of questions for this test (or this part of the test) that you want the students to have.  If you want a 20 question test, you will select 20 for the number of questions to import.  You must have more questions in the pool than you select for import, otherwise there will be no randomization.  A good rule of thumb is to have twice as many questions in your test pool as you want to have on your test.  This allows for a good randomization.

7.  Assign the points you want each question to be worth.  You cannot assign point values for individual questions later.

8.  Click Import.

9.  The Test Canvas now appears like this:

10.  You can now either add more questions or click OK to finish the test.

11.  The test will now appear in Test Manager and can be activated within a content area of your course.

Links for More Ideas. Note: This may take you to another section in this set of resources or to other TWU resources created by Instructional Support Services. 

See Pool Manager

Back to Test Manager

 Create your own educational wiki!HelpPublic, Gold wiki Privacy Policy RSS