This really doesn't have much to do with MS, except that it can make our job as educators a bit more effective, which is always good.
I'm sure most of us use tests and quizzes as a way to measure our students' understanding of the material we are presenting to them. They are very useful for this purpose; but for the most part, once the test is taken and reviewed, their usefulness is ended.
Years ago, I found a way to use tests and quizzes not just as a way to evaluate learning, but as a learning tool too.
After my students take a test or quiz, I don't give them the answers for the questions that they miss. Instead, I have them look up those questions in their textbooks and on a form I give to them, tell me what the answer is and what the textbook says about it. They have to write word for word exactly what the book says about that answer, and they also have to provide me with the page number that the answer is found on.
In return for completing this exam review assignment, they receive 1/4 (sometimes 1/2) of the points back for that question. This serves as extra credit for those that need it, as they can increase their grade and at the same time, it reinforces the information they need help with.
Also, for some of their exams, I let them write as much information as they can fit on a 3x5 card to use during the exam. The act of writing what they think will be on the test really helps them learn the material too. (Though I often can't figure out how they can possibly write so small and then read it!)
Do you have any teaching tips that you can share?
I'm sure most of us use tests and quizzes as a way to measure our students' understanding of the material we are presenting to them. They are very useful for this purpose; but for the most part, once the test is taken and reviewed, their usefulness is ended.
Years ago, I found a way to use tests and quizzes not just as a way to evaluate learning, but as a learning tool too.
After my students take a test or quiz, I don't give them the answers for the questions that they miss. Instead, I have them look up those questions in their textbooks and on a form I give to them, tell me what the answer is and what the textbook says about it. They have to write word for word exactly what the book says about that answer, and they also have to provide me with the page number that the answer is found on.
In return for completing this exam review assignment, they receive 1/4 (sometimes 1/2) of the points back for that question. This serves as extra credit for those that need it, as they can increase their grade and at the same time, it reinforces the information they need help with.
Also, for some of their exams, I let them write as much information as they can fit on a 3x5 card to use during the exam. The act of writing what they think will be on the test really helps them learn the material too. (Though I often can't figure out how they can possibly write so small and then read it!)
Do you have any teaching tips that you can share?
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