38 6.4 After the Test
So far, we have focused on how to study for and take tests effectively. This section discusses how to use test results to their greatest benefit. Some of your most important learning begins when your graded test paper is returned to you. Your first reaction, of course, is to see what grade you received and how you did compared with your classmates. This is a natural reaction.
Make sure you listen to the instructor as the papers are returned. What is the instructor saying about the test? Is there a particular point everyone had trouble with? Does the instructor generally think everyone did well? The instructor’s comments at this point may give you important information about what you should study more, about the value of review sessions, and even about possible questions for the next exam.
Although you may be tempted to throw away the exam, don’t. It is a very helpful tool for the next phase of preparing for learning. This is a three-step process, beginning with evaluating your results.
Evaluating Your Test Results
When you receive your test back, sit quietly and take a close look at it. What questions did you get wrong? What kind of mistakes were they? (See Table 6.41 “Exam Errors and How to Correct Them” below.) Do you see a pattern? What questions did you get right? What were your strengths? What can you learn from the instructor’s comments?
Now think of the way in which you prepared for the exam and the extent to which you applied the exam strategies described earlier in this module. Were you prepared for the exam? Did you study the right material? What surprised you? Did you read the entire test before starting? Did your time allocation work well, or were you short of time on certain parts of the exam?
Exam Errors and How to Correct Them
| Examples | Corrective Steps |
|---|---|
| I did not study the material for that question (enough). | Practice predicting possible questions better. |
| I did not prepare enough. | Join a study group. Create a study schedule. Review the study skills chapter. |
| Examples | Corrective Steps |
|---|---|
| I ran out of time. | Read the entire test before starting. Make a plan and allocate your time. Watch the clock. |
| I did not read the directions carefully. | Read carefully and reread to ensure you got it right. |
| I misread or misunderstood the question. | Read carefully and reread to ensure you got it right. |
| I confused terms or concepts that I actually know well. | Read carefully and think before answering a question. Go back and check answers at the end and you will often catch these mistakes. |
| Examples | Corrective Steps |
|---|---|
| I studied the material but couldn’t make it work with the question. | Seek additional help from the instructor. |
| I didn’t understand what the instructor wanted. | Go to all classes, labs, and review sessions. Get caught up on any missed classes. |
| I confused terms or concepts. | Join a study group. Review concepts throughout the term. |
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