We are well into the testing season. Whether you’ve given that first test or are preparing to, here are some quick ideas I got from a webinar from Dr. Diana Skrzydlo (University of Waterloo) on assessment.
Before the test:
When reviewing test topics in class, have students practice metacognition by actively rating their understanding of each topic. For example:
I understand elasticity, can provide an example, and know how to compute.
Strongly disagree — Disagree — Neutral — Agree — Strongly agree
During the test:
Consider a reflective writing prompt on the test. A colleague at Harvey Mudd College claims these are his favorite answers to read. For example:
Describe a concept you struggled with but now understand. What was the key to this understanding?
After the test:
If things didn’t go well for a student, consider using an exam wrapper, where students can metacognitively reflect on their test preparation and performance and prepare to do better on the next test. For a written test, you can modify this exam wrapper template (taken from the Post-Exam Survey for the Office of Advising at Loyola University, Chicago).
And remember, speaking from my own school days, doing poorly on a test is embarrassing. Here is an email I use to encourage a follow-up visit after a low test score:
Dear (student),
I hope this finds you well. I’m guessing you did not do as well as you’d planned on the recent test. Would you like to meet to discuss a game plan for the next one?
Take care,
PL