Maximize Learning When Returning Exams

• Before students take the exam, give students an idea of the types of test questions to expect on the test and the cognitive processes they will need to use in answering the questions (e.g., recall/remember, understanding, apply, analyze).
• When you create the exam, develop a complete grading key for use in grading the exams and for students to use to analyze in class their responses to the exams.
• After students take the exam, study the student responses. Notice questions with a high number of students selecting a wrong answer. Ask yourself if you should rewrite the test question, teach something differently or encourage students to study harder.
• Give students points for any missed questions that you didn’t teach well enough or that are poorly written questions.
• Return exams to students with an indication of which items were missed and an answer key to indicate the correct responses.
• When students receive their exams back, they are usually eager to find out what questions they answered wrong and why. The answer key is therefore a great teaching tool because students can see why certain answers were right and other answers were wrong.
• Allow ample time for students to ask questions about the exam, clarify any misconceptions and to receive feedback from you. This makes the test a learning experience as well as makes the students feel like they are being treated fairly.
• Plan time to review every question on the exam.Be prepared to acknowledge poorly written items or teaching failures on your part.

• Welcome student critiques, but know when to cut off discussion by inviting students to discuss their concerns after class.
• Consider administering a short evaluation to ask for student feedback about your exams.
• As the teacher, you should be a resource to support students in resolving discrepancies. As you listen in to the different groups you may also discover areas for further clarification in your teaching or in your test questions. These sessions not only help students learn but they also provide you with feedback with regards to the effectiveness and clarity of your teaching.