October 2023 Protocol of the Month: The "Double-Take" Test

A few years ago I read an intriguing article on "Exam Debriefs" by Maryellen Weimer, PhD in the online magazine Faculty Focus.  Dr. Weimer challenges instructors to make testing a learning opportunity instead of just an entry in the grade book.  This is innovation at its finest. Traditionally, teachers will "go over" answers from a test/exam, either in total or only the answers missed.  (How tedious it must be for the student to review things she answered correctly!) While some may have questions about the implementation; for example, how to grade both quickly and efficiently or how to keep students from cheating, the notion that learning can happen from an unlikely source (exams and tests) has merit. Originally posted in 2016.  Give it a try and let us know how it goes. 

DOUBLE-TAKE TEST (Feedback, Writing)
​
Description: Based on an article by Maryellen Weimer, PhD, a Double-Take Test allows students to correct their own tests giving them opportunities to learn material missed during study or to clear up any misunderstandings of the content. It can also be used as a measuring stick for the effectiveness of a student’s study methods.    

Application:  Use this two-stage testing method for multiple-choice tests in any subject.

Process: Create a multiple-choice test with a separate answer sheet. Before administering the test, decide corrections format. (Will students make corrections independently or in a group, during class time or at home?) Review the guidelines with students: 1) Read question, review answer choices, select best answer, and mark answer on both test book and answer sheet; 2) at completion, submit answer sheet and keep test book; and 3) follow format instructions and review answers in book, make corrections, and submit next class meeting. Score both test book and answer sheet awarding two points if answers to question are correct on both, one point if answer was correct on one but not the other, and no points if answers to question are incorrect on both. (If cheating is a concern, avoid “at home” corrections and provide time the next class meeting for students to make corrections.)  

 Weimer, Maryellen  (October 19, 2016)
​ http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/getting-exam-debriefs