Features which make CML a formative assessment tool Practice tests, which do not contribute marks to final assessment, are one use of the CML system as a formative tool. These practice tests can be generated using the same parameters and with questions drawn from the same test banks as those used for the summative assessment. The CML system also has the option to give students immediate feedback about their performance, which is the basis of its use for formative assessment. When the practice test and feedback facilities of CML are used, students can test their knowledge about the topic and be shown where they need to improve. Students receive feedback at the completion of CML tests and are encouraged by staff in the CML laboratory to rework their test paper with the error summary, before they leave the CML laboratory.
Some lecturers make a textbook or notes available for student reference.
All students are able to have their test paper sent to their lecturer if they wish to get a further explanation on any question. Use of CML at Curtin Lecturers use the CML system in a variety of ways. Some use it to encourage a self directed learning approach by students while others prescribe mandatory time frames for each test. The number of assessed tests generated by the CML system for a particular unit varies between one and five. While some lecturers allow an optional practice test before the first assessed test, very few make this compulsory and most lecturers do not implement a practice test at all.