"Enable build on last attempt" is a powerful Canvas quiz setting that allows students to re-attempt only the questions they answered incorrectly in a previous quiz attempt, rather than retaking the entire quiz from scratch. This feature is designed to promote learning and mastery by focusing student efforts on areas where they need improvement.
Understanding the Feature
When an instructor enables "build on last attempt," it transforms how multiple quiz attempts function. Instead of starting each new attempt with a fresh set of questions (or all questions reset), students see their correct answers from the previous attempt preserved. Only the questions they got wrong are presented again for another try.
How It Works for Students
- Focused Learning: Students aren't re-answering questions they already mastered. Their attention is directed solely to the concepts they struggled with.
- Progressive Improvement: Each attempt builds upon the last, allowing students to progressively refine their understanding and improve their score.
- Reduced Stress: Knowing they only need to focus on a subset of questions can reduce anxiety associated with retaking an entire assessment.
How Instructors Enable It
To utilize this feature, instructors must first allow multiple attempts for a quiz. Once multiple attempts are permitted, the option to "Enable build on last attempt" becomes available.
- Allow Multiple Attempts: In the quiz settings, instructors must select the option to "Allow multiple attempts."
- Enable Build on Last Attempt: After enabling multiple attempts, a checkbox labeled "Enable build on last attempt" will appear. Selecting this checkbox activates the feature.
This setting is particularly valuable for formative assessments, practice quizzes, or situations where the goal is to ensure students achieve mastery over the content.
Benefits of "Build on Last Attempt"
This Canvas feature offers significant advantages for both students and instructors:
| Aspect | Benefit for Students | Benefit for Instructors |
|---|---|---|
| Learning | Promotes deep learning by focusing on mistakes. | Encourages mastery of specific learning objectives. |
| Efficiency | Saves time by not redoing already correct questions. | Streamlines grading and review processes. |
| Motivation | Boosts confidence as progress is clearly visible. | Provides clearer data on student learning gaps. |
| Feedback | Immediate, targeted feedback on incorrect answers. | Facilitates targeted intervention for struggling students. |
Practical Applications and Examples
- Practice Quizzes: Use it for practice quizzes before a major exam to ensure students grasp foundational concepts.
- Formative Assessments: Implement it for low-stakes quizzes to gauge understanding and provide opportunities for improvement without significant grade penalties.
- Module Review: After completing a module, offer a quiz with this setting to help students solidify their knowledge before moving on.
- Pre-Requisite Checks: For courses with pre-requisite knowledge, use this feature to ensure all students meet the necessary skill level.
For more detailed information on quiz settings in Canvas, you can refer to the Canvas Instructor Guides (note: specific guides vary by Canvas version, but general principles remain).
