Clare J

Knowledge checks are an element of interactive learning, which tutors can weave into their module content as an informal form of assessment, providing immediate feedback for students.

The knowledge check block can be included in a Blackboard document as an engagement tool. Tutors can pose multiple choice or multiple answer questions, and tailor their feedback for correct / incorrect answers. Knowledge checks permit unlimited attempts for students and lecturers will have access to useful metrics to review levels of understanding.

How are knowledge checks beneficial to learning?

Knowledge checks can be used:

• To assist with students’ acquisition and retention of key knowledge.
• To help students identify learning aspects which they need to delve into further.
• To improve levels of engagement with module content.
• As an approach to boost students’ confidence.

Multiple attempts are permitted for these brief informal quizzes, so this will hopefully reduce the pressure for students to get everything correct the first time. Academic staff can tailor the feedback for both correct and incorrect answers, this allows tutors to encourage their students and add additional clarification. Feedback can be used to reveal an explanation, to reduce the chance of common misconceptions forming.

How can I use the metrics?

Knowledge check metrics can be helpful for lecturers to determine any knowledge or understanding blind spots their students may have as a group. Results can be used to inform additional teaching activities, providing their students with the opportunity to tackle gaps in their knowledge. The metrics are only visible for tutors and give a general overview of question attempts. Unlike Blackboard tests, the results are not included in the Gradebook alongside names (so it is not possible to track individual interactions), but a summary is displayed in the original document for instructors, where the knowledge check quiz was added.

Where can I add knowledge checks within module contents?

These multiple-choice quizzes can be added to a document at any point within a module, allowing flexibility in approach. For example:

• Knowledge checks could be used to reflect on pre-existing knowledge when starting off a new topic.
• They can be included for students to engage with or review new information contained in the same document.
• Provide a quick review or discussion prompt mid-way through a module.
• Or as a short informal revision task, for students to check their levels of understanding at the end of the module for core concepts.

Please see our guidance about how to add Knowledge Checks here.

Blackboard also have useful information about the features of knowledge checks in their online guidance and video.