Since my son began virtual schooling in the fall of 2020, he encountered a refreshing approach to education: the opportunity to resubmit assignments or retake tests. If he’s dissatisfied with a grade, he has two additional chances to improve it.
Initially, the idea of having this option seemed like a way to dodge responsibility. Would he truly learn from this process? Wasn’t it akin to cheating to have the chance to correct mistakes after knowing the answers? Wouldn’t everyone earn straight A’s if this became the norm? What about the students who diligently study for an A on their first attempt? Shouldn’t their efforts be more reflected than those of a student who scores a C, then a B, and finally an A?
However, I soon discovered that in my son’s virtual school program, it’s not merely a matter of fixing mistakes. He must redo the entire assignment or test, with questions shuffled, some removed, and new ones added. This is no simple fix. To genuinely improve his grade, he must invest time studying. His desire to avoid excessive time spent on revisions motivates him to focus on his studies the first time around. I also ensure he redoes assignments and tests if his grades show signs of slipping or if he isn’t putting in the necessary effort.
What I’ve noticed is that when he revisits an assignment, he gains more than just an improved grade. If he struggles, it often stems from laziness, distraction, or a lack of understanding. By redoing the work, he identifies what he missed, reinforces his memory, and retains information better. Instead of moving on with gaps in his knowledge, he builds a solid foundation for future learning. After all, isn’t mastery the ultimate goal?
A tweet from Tracy Edwards, which has resurfaced recently, highlights this philosophy: “Yes, your 5th grader may redo any test or quiz. No, I don’t care how many times they choose to retake it. Yes, they can turn in that assignment late.” Teachers are increasingly recognizing the need for flexibility in light of the pandemic, allowing students to resubmit work and retake tests.
Lily, a high school teacher in Massachusetts, shares that allowing students to revise their work has been standard practice in her classroom. “Growth comes from revising and editing,” she explains. Not permitting students this chance hinders their opportunity to learn from mistakes. Furthermore, many students come from different backgrounds, and applying the same rigid standards can be unjust, especially for those who have faced trauma or instability.
April Noelle Grant, who homeschools her children in Florida, emphasizes the importance of discussing test results. “It makes no sense to push to the next topic if they aren’t clear on the first one.” Some kids need repetition to solidify their understanding, while others face test anxiety. Allowing opportunities to retake tests can help alleviate those concerns.
It’s essential to note that this doesn’t imply teachers should provide infinite chances for revisions, which could overwhelm them. Preparing kids for adulthood includes teaching them the importance of deadlines, and incorporating the option to redo assignments doesn’t mean abandoning accountability. Balance is crucial.
We often talk about preparing students for the “real world,” where growth and second chances are part of life. Being a responsible adult frequently involves making mistakes, learning from them, and starting anew. School is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about learning how to learn. So why limit students to one chance? If a student believes they can do better, it’s our responsibility to give them that opportunity. As Lily wisely states, “If a kid wants to work, and work, and work to improve, what kind of teacher would I be if I said no?”
For more insights on similar approaches to education, check out this article.
Summary
Allowing students to resubmit work and retake tests fosters a learning environment that values growth and understanding over mere grades. This approach not only enhances mastery of the material but also develops important life skills like resilience and accountability. By embracing flexibility in education, we prepare students for the realities of adulthood, where learning from mistakes is a vital part of personal and professional development.
SEO metadata:
Leave a Reply