Review of tests and quizzes
Do you feel it is important to hand back tests and quizzes to let the students see their results and go over incorrect answers?
I agree and I always look at what the majority of the class has missed - sometimes we have great discussions about why they chose the answer they did and if they can find evidence - I give them the credit for the question. It also points out when I have answered a question in error and then we all laugh at the fact that even the instructor is not perfect.
Hi Kristi, Thanks for your post to the forum. Excellent! I totally agree- there is no point in using assessments unless they can be reviewed as learning tools with our students. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
I feel it is very important to give back quizzes and tests for review. If at all possible, I try to grade quizzes and go over them directly after they are taken. In this fashion, we can insure the class is "on point" and clear before we move forward. If I am unable to grade and review on the same day, I insure we review them (including tests) by the next class period. If I can not review information within the next class, I feel the information is lost. Review is a huge part of learning.
I see the review of the tests/quizes by the students an important part of their learning and improving on their knowledge. This opens up a question, answer and discussion opportunity for all. I don't allow them to keep their tests.
Hi Vicki, I also believe that is very important to spend time reviewing tests so that students can benefit from their mistakes. Best wishes! Susan
Susan Polick
Before I give the tests back to the students,I look to see how many missed the same questions. I use the review of tests as an opportunity to revisit areas that everyone had a problem with and then when we go over it in class, I am prepared for the questions they have on why it was the wrong answer. I think it also opens up dialogue for how to answer questions, exam taking pointers, how to use critical thinking, etc. I plan my classroom hours with the intent of spending plenty of time on reviewing graded quizzes, exams etc. If everyone does really well, I know I either did a great job of instructing or the test was not challenging enough.
Hi Akita, I think that the key here is to be sure to review every item on the test with your students so that they know where they have made mistakes. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Yes, students are very anxious to review thier test. Test are a good indicator but not the only indicator of knowledge being transferred. Instructors cannot identify if learning took place. Students need to know how well or bad they performed on any given test.
This is why you don't let them KEEP the test/quiz. But I will agree with all the others in saying, they NEED to be able to see where they went wrong, and if they did well they need to feel that accomplishment by seeing that 100%!
I think it definately is important to give them back and go over it with them. Maybe there was something that you can say the second time around that may help them understand where their mistakes are.
I know its important to let the student look at their grades however I sometimes feel like my students are studying answers. Because of this I am reluctant to allow them to keep test and Quiz. It appears as though they are looking for a way to pass not to improve their knowledge of the information being presented to them.
...plus remember they will also (in many cases) be taking board exams. It definitely helps them understand the "art" behind answering questions
Hi Michael:
I give my students back their tests and quizzes (except for the final exam). I find that students like to be able to identify what they got correct as well as those they got wrong. For some, getting back a good test score can also boost confidence.
Hi Michael, Absolutely! It is essential that students be able to see where they went off-track. Susan
Susan Polick
