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Tutorial: How to Proctor a Benchmark Exam on Speakable

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for teachers on how to manage and proctor a benchmark exam using the Speakable platform.

Written by Andrew Platt

Learning Objectives

By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to:

  • Access the proctoring dashboard

  • Open digital rooms for different student groups

  • Share join codes and admit students

  • Monitor student progress and manage retries

  • Close the session and submit student work

Part 1: Accessing the Benchmark

To begin proctoring, you first need to locate the assigned benchmark on your dashboard:

  1. Check the Dashboard: Look for a notification chip at the top of your dashboard mentioning an available benchmark.

  2. Alternative Navigation: If you don't see the chip, scroll down to the Benchmarks tab or click on "Benchmarks" in the navigation menu.

  3. Start Proctoring: Click the Start Proctoring button next to the relevant benchmark.

Part 2: Opening a Room

A "room" is a digital space for a specific group of students (e.g., Period 2 or Period 3) taking the exam at the same time.

  1. Review the brief instruction screen that appears after clicking "Start Proctoring."

  2. Click to open a room. This will generate a five-digit alphanumeric code.

  3. You can open as many separate rooms as needed for different class periods.

Part 3: Getting Students Joined

  1. Share the Code: Direct students to app.speakable.io/benchmark. Provide them with the five-digit code by projecting it or writing it on the blackboard.

  2. Student Entry: Students enter the code and click Join now.

  3. Admitting Students: If students are not on the pre-set roster, they will appear in a list for you to review. Click Admit all to allow them into the waiting room.

  4. Waiting Room: Students will see the name of the benchmark and a message stating they are waiting for the proctor to start.

Part 4: Starting and Monitoring the Exam

  1. Start the Benchmark: Click Start Benchmark on your dashboard. This will flip the students' screens to the exam tasks.

  2. Browser Lock: Students must agree to a browser lock, which puts the exam in full-screen mode.

  3. Microphone Check: Students will perform a quick microphone check before beginning their tasks.

  4. Monitor Progress:

    • The dashboard shows if a student is "in progress."

    • Tab Lock Warnings: You will see a warning if a student attempts to shift away from the exam tab.

    • Task Details: Click on an individual student to see which specific tasks they have completed or are currently working on.

  5. Allowing Retries: If a student has a technical issue (e.g., microphone failure), click Allow retry. This sends a banner to the student's screen allowing them to redo a specific question.

Part 5: Closing the Session

  1. Check Submissions: You can see how many students have submitted their work on your dashboard.

  2. Late Arrivals: Students who join late can still participate as long as the room is open.

  3. Close Room: When the session is over, click Close room.

    • Note: Closing the room automatically submits and grades the benchmarks for all students in that room, including those who have not yet finished.

  4. Review History: After closing, you can view the room history to see which students were auto-submitted.

Conclusion

Once the room is closed, results are automatically sent to the benchmark administrator for evaluation. Proctors cannot access results directly from the proctoring screen at this time.

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