Researching shows that you learn more by taking tests than studying (via BoingBoing). This is something i've always felt was true. After a test was graded and handed back, i felt that i learned a lot by looking at the problems i got wrong. If i answered it incorrectly, i would be unlikely that i would ever do that again. It should be no surprise that feedback like that can be helpful. Students seem to fear test but i bet that's because they have never thought of them as was to help them learn.
I blame teachers for perpetuating a negative view of test. I think few realize how much learning can take place the test is graded. That's when the student finds out what he doesn't know and can take corrective action. As they say in Gung Ho (a book i just finished reading for work) , you don't know how good your canoe is until you take it through the rapids. I think it's also harmful to never bring up material in class again after it's been on a test. Surely the student wasn't expected to learn that material just to pass the test; the material should have an impact on further studies in the field or it was a waste of time. There should be more frequent, cumulative tests in classes. One might suppose that homework would fulfill this requirement, but i've come to realize that teachers don't seem to like grading homework. They assign it, you do it, and you think you did it right. Especially at the college level, teachers don't collect it and provide feedback in the form of red pen. Tests are the only chance for some real feedback. It's silly that they are only seen as a way to get a grade.
Posted by Matthew at March 7, 2006 10:31 PM