Retests
When a class as a whole does not do as well as expected on a test, I give a retest. The retest is shorter and easier than the original test because I simply modify some of the material that was in the original test. I then average the two grades to get the students' grade for that test. If a student gets a 60% on the first test, and a 100% on the second test, his/her grade for that test would be 80%. If a student gets a worse grade on the retest than on the first test, then the retest is not counted. There is no penalty for taking a retest. Retests are optional, and all students are eligible. I have had students who got a 96% on the first test choose to take a retest, and students who got a 40% on the first test choose not to take a retest In this way, students who did well on the first test still do better than the others who did not do so well.
Our college does remediation and re-testing for skills assessments only before students go out into the hospitals as clinical students. I really like Barry's comment that you don't want 'C' students in the field treating patients - even in a learning/application mode. After reading the information in this course, I will do a little more research in determining why we remediate when students have had ample time to master the skills and couldn't or wouldn't.
Hi Barbara:
Retesting is a good tool. I think the purpose of testing is to detemine if students learned. The grading aspect is by necessity going to vary among institutions, but assuring competency requires testing (assessment, evaluation, quizzing, etc).
Regards, Barry
Hi Kelly:
I guess we have to define what a test really is. To assess critical or essential knowledge, minimal competence is probably required. Grading is varied as much as as the teachers and institutions that provide guidelines for them.
In health care professions, grading for many skills has to be perfect (pass), and nothing less. Nobody wans a C- student who graduated with retakes and minimal competency performance. (Just playing the devil's advocate).
Regards, Barry
I believe the retest option should be available for all students not just the students that merit less than 70%. I state this option before the test that anyone may have the option to retake the test understanding the second time taking it the highest score is a 94%. If a student received a 80% and is frustrated about her/his performance I permit all students (not just the failing students) to retake the test.
Hi James:
I believe every activity can be turned into a learning experience. Even tests or quizzes can be used to reveal areas additional study or work is still required. How that fits into the grading system is another story, addressed in a different discussion forum.
Regards, Barry
Giving a re-test to raise the scores is not an answer, should go back over information with the class to help them get the understanding of the material or lab projects.Once you beleive the understanding is there,then a re-test should be given to cement the understanding.
