December 2023 Protocol of the Month: IN-CLASS EXAM REVIEws--Inspired by Jeremy Rentz

We can hope that students work on exam reviews at home or come to after school exam review sessions, but sadly, hope is not a plan.  By slightly adjusting our mindset, we can make sure that students are working by hosting in-class exam reviews.  The benefits are endless, check it out and let me know what you think: 

IN-CLASS EXAM REVIEWS (Feedback, Discussion, Collaboration, Writing) 

Description: Too often, teachers hand-out review items and expect students to complete them at home and unless the teacher goes over the review, there may be incorrect answers lurking.  In this simple, but meaningful strategy, teachers provide time for students to work on reviews in class, with conditions.  This approach also builds trust and camaraderie with students.   It also guarantees that all students have been exposed to the material to be tested and some students actually learn the material while reviewing!  And as an added benefit, it can satisfy some I.E.P requirements. 

Application: The In-class Exam Review process can be used in any subject.  
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Process: Gather exam review documents, either paper or online in a file format.  As exam time nears, explain to students that time will be set aside for exam review at each class meeting and to have review items at the ready. On the first day of the review, hand-out review items bundled in a stapled “packet” or release the online document’s file. Provide guidelines:   

• Bring the review packet every class meeting.  
• During review work, students may seek assistance from others or the teacher, but they can only use brain power, no notes, textbooks, or other supplementary materials. 
•  Use pencil only in paper packets. 

After an appropriate amount of time has passed, go over answers in a brief manner, but clarify misunderstandings.  Optional approach, assign the next review as homework to encourage students to “see what they know” before the review.  Tell them to make note of any question/answers that they did not know or made an educated guess and concentrate on those for the in-class review session. 

Resources and for more information: ​
​King, T. Rentz, J. (2022) “Teaching More and Talking Less: Using Examples During Class” Faculty Focus Podcast #35