Since my very first year of teaching, I have integrated math test corrections into my assessment practices. However, the way I use test corrections in math has changed from year to year. The one constant has been the test corrections template that I use. My math test corrections form gives students a structure to correct their work and analyze their mistakes, in a simple, organized way that avoids stress.
Test Corrections for Points Back
My first year of teaching, students were able to do test corrections, and earn back 50% of the credit they lost.
Pros: Students are more inclined to complete test corrections when they will see immediate results. Grading is quick and easy.
Con: Student grades are supposed to be reflective of student learning, and this practice often led to grade inflation. Additionally, students were not being held accountable. They would not prepare for tests because they were counting on test corrections.
Test Corrections as an Assignment
In one of my classes, I gave test corrections as an assignment. Students went through the process, and analyzed their errors. In this case, students earned points for assignment completion, but did not earn additional points back on their tests.
Pros: There was no issue with grade inflation. Furthermore, since I did not have to calculate new test grades, grading was even easier.
Con: Students were less motivated to complete test corrections. Test corrections were often turned in incomplete.
Test Corrections as a Prerequisite to Retest
For a few years, students were required to complete the test corrections form in order to be eligible to take a retest. Students would first complete their test corrections for me to grade. As long as everything was correct, students would then be able to schedule a retest. One year, I completely replaced the first test with the retest grade. Another year, I used a formula that my administrator suggested in which the final grade was calculated as 50% of the original test, 25% of the test corrections score, and 25% of the retest score.
Pro: Students are more prepared for a retest after completing test corrections.
Cons: This method involves a lot of work – for the teacher and for the students. This process means extra grading for the teacher, and an extra time investment from the students. This actually turned out to be a deterrent for students completing their test corrections. Moreover, while the formula mentioned above was supposed to guard against grade inflation, it was only partially effective. (Students were getting a guaranteed 25 points in their grade because of the test corrections had to be 100% correct to take the retest.)
Considering Frequency
This past year, I allowed students to complete test corrections once per quarter, and students earned back half of the points lost on the test.
Pros: This strategy did not lead to grade inflation. Only having one chance at test corrections kept students accountable for making an effort on each test. There was less extra grading using this strategy.
Con: Since students could only do corrections once for the entire marking period, we had to wait until the end of the marking period to complete test corrections.
Do you allow test corrections? Share what works for you and your students in the comments below!
If you are looking for a quick, simple template to streamline your math test corrections, look no further than this resource linked here!
