Evaluations: the test that all learners dread. Yet, there is no reason to be afraid. They are merely a way to validate knowledge and skills.
However, evaluations are stressful because they are associated with penalties. These anxieties can be so strong that they affect performance. So, how do you encourage learners to enjoy evaluations? By offering them a fun exam. This is possible with playful quizzes.
The benefits of quizzes in training
Quizzes can make a difference in a training program for several reasons.
The psychological principles behind quizzes
Quizzes tap into the mechanism of gratification. With each correct answer, the human brain releases dopamine, craving more rewards. On the other hand, when a learner gets an answer wrong, they become obsessed with finding the correct one. This drives them to continue learning to achieve a better score.
Moreover, quizzes can spark a spirit of competition. On some collaborative platforms, results can be shared. All learners can then compare themselves to others. By instinct, humans want to be the best, the strongest. This is highly beneficial for training.
Gamification to boost motivation
No one enjoys boring lessons. This is why traditional lectures are gradually disappearing. Learners seek playful training programs where they can learn while having fun. With quizzes, they can validate their knowledge as if they were playing a game.
Just like in a game, there could be different levels of difficulty. Each quiz would correspond to a module. Thus, the learner will need to study in order to progress in the game. This method is foolproof! Learners won’t be able to resist the urge to take on challenges. At the same time, a playful evaluation system can help them better retain knowledge.
The impact of motivation on success
Among all types of motivation for completing a course, intrinsic motivation is the best. It involves self-achievement and personal growth. The learner will always strive to improve for their own satisfaction, ensuring long-term commitment. If a learner relies on external motivations (such as family pride, money, constraints, etc.), they may quit at any time.
It is crucial to maintain this personal motivation. Quizzes, or gamified evaluations, offer rewards for each effort. They don’t have to wait for the final certification to realize their new skills.
How to integrate quizzes into the training program?
Quizzes are most effective when used appropriately. Certain practices should be followed to integrate them well into the program.
Best practices for a playful and engaging training
The point (or badge) system is key to an engaging evaluation. For example, learners could earn a reward after accumulating several points. This encourages them to maintain a certain level of performance, or even improve continuously.
Next, there’s the rule of the 3 Ps for:
- Pleasure,
- Pedagogy,
- Performance.
It’s important for the quiz to be fun in order to motivate learners. That being said, it’s equally crucial for it to remain relevant to the training objectives.
Furthermore, the work of Karl M. Kapp can be very useful for effective gamified training. According to this expert, a course must follow a certain rhythm to retain the learner’s attention. At the start, you need to capture their interest with a problem that the content can solve. Then, game elements (like the quiz) should be added. This helps learners relax while maintaining focus. At the end, the trainer reveals a key piece of information that concludes the module.
How to create engaging quiz questions?
The types of questions to prioritize for a playful quiz are:
- Multiple choice questions (MCQs),
- Short answer questions,
- Matching questions.
It’s best to diversify them in the same questionnaire to keep the learner motivated. You can also add images, videos, and animations. They can be helpful in clarifying the context.
How to design playful quizzes?
A good quiz must meet three criteria:
- Learning objectives,
- Learners’ skill levels,
- Learners’ interests.
Thus, a quiz must be fully personalized. It should be relevant to the learning content. The same applies to the difficulty of the test. For a pleasant evaluation experience, it’s best to present an attractive and intuitive digital page.
Various digital tools are available to create quizzes. They offer several features for customization. These tools also provide immediate results, satisfying the learners’ impatience. For trainers, quiz design tools also offer real-time data analysis, greatly simplifying their work. Some of these tools include:
- Online quiz platforms,
- Polling apps,
- E-learning content creation software,
- Online learning platforms.
How to measure the effectiveness of quizzes?
To evaluate the effectiveness of a quiz, indicators are needed. First, the participation rate confirms the attractiveness of the playful activity. The success rate demonstrates not only the relevance of the training but also of the questions.
It’s also useful to compare the learner’s progress after each evaluation. This allows you to measure the impact of the quiz on their engagement.
For this evaluation, precise and accurate data are necessary. Online platforms and software can assist with this. They collect real-time data and provide reports that trainers can use to make decisions. You can obtain:
- Participation rate,
- Engagement rate,
- Performance, etc.
Additionally, the quiz designer will need subjective data. Therefore, surveys should be conducted among learners. They can suggest improvement ideas for even more engaging and motivating quizzes.
Interested in this article?
You can go further by consulting our ultimate guide on training evaluations! You’ll find plenty of advice and case studies 
