T&L Blog: Why reviewing assessments improves academic outcomes

 
How Reviewing Assessments with Students Improves Academic Outcomes

Assessments are not just tools for measuring student performance; they can also be powerful teaching moments. By reviewing assessments with students, teachers can foster deeper understanding, enhance self-awareness, and ultimately improve academic outcomes. Here’s why this practice is essential and how to incorporate it effectively.

1. Clarifies Misconceptions
Reviewing assessments with students provides an opportunity to address misconceptions and errors directly. When teachers explain correct answers and the reasoning behind them, students develop a stronger grasp of the concepts, reducing the likelihood of repeating the same mistakes in the future.

2. Promotes Metacognition
Assessment reviews encourage students to reflect on their learning (see example in the Blog). When students analyse their performance, they gain insights into their strengths and weaknesses, which helps them take ownership of their learning process. This self-awareness is a critical skill for lifelong learning.

3. Encourages Growth Mindset
Reviewing assessments in a constructive and supportive manner reinforces the idea that mistakes are valuable learning opportunities. This approach fosters a growth mindset, encouraging students to view challenges as steps toward improvement rather than setbacks.

4. Builds Trust and Engagement
Regularly reviewing assessments demonstrates to students that their success matters. This practice can strengthen teacher-student relationships and increase student engagement, as they see the value of their efforts and feel supported in their learning journey.


How to Review Assessments with Students:

Set a Positive Tone: Focus on improvement rather than judgment.
Discuss Common Errors: Highlight patterns in mistakes and explain how to avoid them.
Provide Individual Feedback: Use one-on-one or small-group sessions for personalised insights.
Teach Study Strategies: Suggest practical steps to address specific areas of weakness.
Encourage Student Reflection: Ask students to identify what they did well and what they could improve.

The Impact on Academic Outcomes
When students actively engage in reviewing their assessments, they better understand their learning gaps and how to address them. This process not only boosts their confidence and performance but also equips them with skills to approach future challenges more effectively.
By making assessment reviews a regular part of instruction, teachers transform tests from mere evaluation tools into opportunities for meaningful growth—benefitting both student outcomes and the overall learning experience.

Bibliography
Black, P., & Wiliam, D. (1998). Assessment and Classroom Learning. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 5(1), 7-74.
Hattie, J., & Timperley, H. (2007). The Power of Feedback. Review of Educational Research, 77(1), 81-112.
Shute, V. J. (2008). Focus on Formative Feedback. Review of Educational Research, 78(1), 153-189.
Wiliam, D. (2011). Embedded Formative Assessment. Solution Tree Press.
Brookhart, S. M. (2017). How to Give Effective Feedback to Your Students. ASCD.