going over test
I prefer to go over the test as soon as it has been graded rather than the next day because any questions they may have are still fresh,they may forget that question a day later.
Robert,
Great. Students are always anxious to know their performance. Also, sometimes, unclear or even errors in the answer or question stem can be identified and this can be accounted for through the review process. Finally, reviewing with emphasis on the correct information just goes to reinforce the take away information we want students to remember.
Barry Westling
I also try to go over test as soon as the results come in from the scantron
One thing that I have done to give immediate feedback is oncew the test have been taken up, I go over the test in no particular order and give feedback even before the scantron gets graded.
Sona,
Right. And (sometimes) mistakes I've made or unclear question or answer choices can be resolved on the spot, corrections made, and revised grades shared with students. I think students usually appreciate being given a "fair shake" such as this.
Barry Westling
I also prefer going over the test immediately after grading. For multiple choice test,I always make room for that since grading is easier with the scantron machine. Immediate feedback is needed to know if you and the students were successful.
Kristin,
Many courses move at a rapid pace, and the necessity to give correct information early on is critical. Often what is learned today is needed for understanding what is taught tomorrow. Also, if I have made mistakes or questions are determined to be ambiguoius, I want to be fair and make my own corrections in order to avoid future occurrences.
Barry Westling
I agree with you as well. I try to go over the test as soon as possible in case there are any questions. That way we can discuss anything they may have got wrong on the test.
Denise,
Discussion does serve several purposes, especially if, as you do, students are required to think about their answers and alternative choices. And the whole class is involved listening as much as the students being questioned.
Barry Westling
I do the same! It is an additional learning experience for sure. I don't just tell them the right answer, but engage them in discussion about the question/answer.
Shawne,
Yeah, there may be some practical or procedural barriers that might be present that would limit how soon we get back to students. But if I saw my doctor who had just said "you've got this serious symptom", but we'll get back to that after I talk about some other things", most people would have nothing esle on their mind except that glaring bit of information. I think that is similar to how some students feel about test performance. They want to know results ASAP!
Barry Westling
I agree, however, sometimes it's not always easy to get it back to them right away especially if the class is big and there are a lot of questions on the test. But try to get it back to them as soon as possible so it is fresh in their head.
Sherry,
Great! I think it's important to clarify incorrect information right away. Also, by reviewing, we can reinforce the correct information while it's still fresh in the students mind.
Barry Westling
I try and grade and give back right away, but if there is issues, I will give it back at the next class and go over any confusion on answers or topics
Robert,
Yes, I think review of test information as soon as possible following an exam helps reinforce the correct information, and immediately clears up misunderstanding or incorrect information. Something I do is retest past course information in current tests (just to make sure past information remains current).
Barry Westling
I always review the test as soon as the results are in. What the students don't know is as or more important to what they do know. The idea is to teach them!
Diane,
Yeah, the whole class suffers if there is any one who has not yet tested. One way is, if resources allow for it, reveiewing an exam on the next day while those that missed the test are in another room taking the test. Another approach is to put a heavy penalty for missing an exam (regardless of the reason) to discourage students from missing class on test day. If this is done, it should be in the syllabus and discussed on the first day of class. That way, there can few arguments about being unfair.
Barry Westling
Joseph,
Good. The importance of immediate review allows the instructor to correct student errors in thinking, clarify misinformation, and reinforce correct information. If done right away the correct information will be cemented in the students mind, while delays can permit misinformation to creep in and crouch in the depths of the students mind.
Barry Westling
I agree that review test results the next class day is important. It provides a great learning opportunity for the students. Is is difficult to accomplish that when there are students who have not yet taken the exam. Even having a different version of the exam doesn't solve this issue.
I make it a habit of returning tests during the next class period. It keeps the students focused and also provides an additional learning experience for them.
Sandy,
Absolutely. Immediate review helps clarify any misunderstandings, reinforces the correct information, and of course, provides immediate feedback on performance. Feedback provided in a postive manner creates a learning environment conducive to sustained student involvement in their learning successfulness.
Barry Westling
