What to Do When Your Students Fail an Exam
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Every teacher has experienced the sinking feeling when, after a painstakingly designed lesson plan and assessment, most students fail to meet the expected learning outcomes. Dr. Toyin Alli, host of 'Good Teaching,' recently faced such a scenario and shared insightful strategies on how educators can help students overcome their shortcomings and stay motivated.
Mindset Matters
When faced with widespread poor performance on an exam, the initial reaction can be critical. Dr. Alli, known for her fair yet challenging assessments, encountered low scores in her precalculus class on an exam covering exponentials and logs. Despite feeling confident in her assessment methods, she was met with unusually low student performance.
Spring Break Syndrome
Timing of assessments can impact their success. Dr. Alli noted that an early spring break, falling mid-unit, likely disrupted the learning process. Upon realizing the gap, she modified her teaching plan, offering additional review while removing a section from the unit to avoid overwhelming her students.
Identifying Misconceptions
Instead of succumbing to frustration, Dr. Alli analyzed the exam results and identified common misconceptions. She created a video addressing these misunderstandings, aligning her content to the errors found on the test, hence providing targeted support for her students.
Encouraging Reflection
Post-exam reflections serve as a metacognitive tool where students evaluate their preparation methods, recognize surprising elements of the test, and plan for improved study strategies. These reflections, alongside correcting missed problems, encapsulate learning as an ongoing process rather than a finite event.
To Drop Back or Not
The podcast also touched on the crucial decision-making time for students - the withdrawal deadline. Dr. Alli discussed alternatives like the 'catapult' course, which allows underprepared students to reinforce foundational skills without affecting their GPA negatively. She emphasized the importance of distinguishing between students who could benefit from additional support in the current class versus those who might need to take a step back to build a solid knowledge foundation.
Sustaining Confidence
Finally, Dr. Alli pondered offering a supplemental test targeting the identified misconceptions, enabling students to earn back some points and regain confidence. However, this approach was discarded after discovering that the second class did not have the same issues, highlighting the variance in student groups.
Conclusion:
The episode concluded with empowering thoughts on dynamic adaptability in teaching. It's crucial to devise responsive, fair strategies that support student comprehension and success. A teacher's role extends beyond content delivery to being a mentor and guide through academic challenges.
As Dr. Alli exemplified, teachers must remain flexible and innovative, offering personalized solutions to meet their student's specific needs. It's about helping each learner rise from setbacks, understanding that failure can be a powerful stepping stone to success.
Learn more about the Independent Professor Workshop
Explore the Independent Professor Workshop, hosted by Dr. Alli. Uncover the advantages of independent teaching and how it can extend your impact beyond the university. Learn how to create your own self-hosted learning experiences, share your expertise, and supplement your income.
As we conclude this journey into the world of active learning, remember that you have the power to revolutionize your college teaching. Embrace active learning, and witness the incredible transformation it brings to your classroom. Join the conversation on social media and become a part of the active learning movement!
