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Post-Test Analysis

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25 views3 pages

Post-Test Analysis

Uploaded by

wexilec790
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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POST-TEST ANALYSIS

How to improve your test performance by looking back and looking forward

Just as a detective analyzes evidence and searches a scene for clues,


reflecting upon a recent testing experience can yield a wealth of
information to help you achieve your goals.
In fact, a returned test is the best possible study guide for the rest of the
course. Combined with information about how you studied for the
test, as well as your actual experience during the test, you’ll be able to
identify what you did well, what you were unprepared for, and what
skills you can develop in order to improve your performance on future
exams.
Each step of the process has an associated worksheet. Use all three to
develop a customized action plan for your next round of exams.

 What Happened?

Consider the results of the test

Error analysis
& Your experience with the test

Preparation for the test


• What sorts of questions were on the test How did you study and what techniques
and where did you lose points? were most effective?
• What content appeared on the test that
you weren’t expecting? To look at how you studied
for the test.
To analyze and reflect on
your results
Taking the test
What happened during the test and what
impact did those things have on your
performance?

Look at what happened


when you were taking the
test.
IF ... CONSIDER ...

Trouble Recalling Don’t just rely on input methods (e.g., reading or “going over” notes) when you study. Practice
different ways to output the information. Try the following:
• Self quiz using book problems or old test questions.
• Recite what you know. Practice explaining what you know to a classmate, TA, or tutor.
• Create a concept map that integrates the big picture with the details. Practice making a
concept map without the use of your notes.

Integrate some new study techniques with your existing homework and reading routine:
• Preview the day’s material 5-10 minutes before lecture (e.g. glance over textbook,
PowerPoint slides, etc.)
• Summarize each lecture in a few sentences to highlight major themes.
• Review your notes within 24 hours of each lecture.
Didn’t Study That • Identify points of confusion and gaps in your notes. Fill in information that is unclear
by consulting your textbook, TA, instructor, fellow students, or tutor.
• Integrate your notes from both lecture and reading.
• Refer to the Study Cycle handout for more ideas on studying strategically.

Improve your time management skills:


• Make a weekly to-do list of items that need to be accomplished.
• Divide big/general goals into small, concrete tasks that take no more than about one
hour (e.g., rather than “read textbook,” try “read pg. 23-34.” Rather than “study chemistry,”
try “work problems 1-5.”
• Assign each task to a specific time slot. Use our monthly calendar and weekly schedule
templates to make a plan.

Study and self-quiz at different levels of difficulty:


• Define and recall concrete facts.
• Engage with concepts by putting them into your own words.
• Apply your knowledge to new situations or problems.
Hard Questions • Analyze by comparing and contrasting; breaking ideas into parts.
• Refer to our Levels of Learning handout for more ideas.

Practice test-taking:
• Write or find questions (e.g., from old exams, textbook, online) similar in style and
difficulty to those of the actual exam.
• Simulate test conditions by putting questions in random order and applying a time
limit.
• Get feedback on your answers by using an answer key, working with a study partner/
group, referring to your TA, or consulting a tutor.
IF ... CONSIDER ...

Practice your pacing:


Not Enough Time
• Take timed practice tests and write out answers completely without using your
notes.
• Develop a strategy for taking the test (points, easy first, chronologically, etc.).
• If you think the way you use time affects your academic performance in other ways,
you may want to look at our series of handouts on time management.

Confused
Clarify your understanding of the question:
by Question
• Reread the question slowly. Break the question into parts, if appropriate.
• Ask the instructor by raising your hand during an exam.
• Identify words you don’t understand and request a definition.
• Answer the question then reread the question with your answer.

Slow down and focus.


Misread the
• Reread instructions to make sure you understand them completely.
Question
• Underline or write down key facts in a question.
• Circle or underline words such as “not” or “all except for” that may be easily
misread.
• Organize your response to multi-part questions. Make sure you answer all parts of
the question.

Be proactive about preventing and finding errors:


• Practice keeping your rough work clean and organized when doing homework
and review questions.
• During study, notice the types of errors you tend to make (e.g., reversing numbers,
Simple Mistake
accidentally skipping questions, miswriting problems).
• Reread your work focusing on accuracy of the details. Look for errors such as
miscopying problems, making a simple calculation mistake, or unintentionally
circling an incorrect answer.
• Read the complete list of answer choices to make sure you don’t miss the best
response (i.e., on multiple choice exams missing options such as “all of the above” or
“both b and d”).
• Allot time for reviewing your answers either at the end of each question or at the
end of the exam.

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