Learning from the Aftermath

An examination teaches you while you're taking it and after it is over. When your test is returned, carefully look at it to see whether there are points you need to relearn.

What You Missed

Find out what you missed. Check each test item for which you received part or no credit and figure out why you didn’t get it right. Here's a checklist to help.

Misread the question.
Tried to avoid the question by writing around it.
Were careless in computation.
Organized the answer poorly.
Chose a poor selection of points for the answer. Wrote too much and exposed ignorance.
Wrote too little.
Reasoned poorly.
Distributed time improperly, leading to incomplete answers.

How to Avoid Repeats

Decide how you can avoid making the same mistakes during your next examination. Note your errors and review them before you take another test. If the exam papers aren't returned, ask permission to see yours.

Ask the Instructor

If you don't understand the way a question has been marked, then ask your instructor about it. Make sure your attitude shows you want to improve - not just get a few more points.

When talking about a test paper, forget the grade you got. The instructor has tried to grade honestly and fairly, and emphasis on your grade may inadvertently be construed by your instructor as an attack on his or her fairness.

Check Correct Answers

Look at your correct answers, too. This stresses them in your mind and helps reinforce any that may have been a;good guess on your part. You might not be as lucky another time!

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