Biomed Test Retake Policy Changed

A new test retake policy in the Biomedical program is being instated at NWCTA this semester. Students could previously complete test corrections for a new grade, students must now retake the test entirely. 

Students and teachers of Biomedical Science program at Northwest have recently undergone a change in policy regarding test retakes. First semester, students could fill out a retake form and complete test corrections, explaining the right answer to a question they got wrong in a paragraph. Now, the student must retake the test in its entirety. 

“Primarily, students were not preparing for tests and quizzes. Many students, to their own admissions, would not study at all for a test, then look up all the answers and write test corrections as homework.” Mrs. Kauffman, sophomore and junior Biomed teacher explained.

Students were reported to have been missing the point of summative assignments. Now, they must put more work into studying for their tests in the first place. 

“All four Biomed teachers (myself, Volcic, Henson, and Hamburg) had the same experiences with the test corrections, and all were in agreement on the new policy,” Kauffman stated. 

The problem of students being unprepared has been going on for a while. It was evident that a change was necessary, and some students felt similarly. 

“The previous retake system gave people who decided to slack a second chance that they arguably did not deserve. I did not benefit from it because I put time and effort to do things right the first time.” Audreyanna Tebbens, sophomore, expressed. 

Some students feel very differently, believing they learned more from test corrections.

“Although it was similar to a regular assignment in the end, I found myself remembering things I wrote while doing test corrections while taking the next tests.” Taylor Alves, sophomore, said. 

The topic is divisive in terms of how students feel about it. In the end, it’s here to stay, and some teachers even say they may retakes next year. 

“Our hope is that students will pay more attention in class and study for tests and quizzes. I do foresee a drop in student scores as they will not be able to simply look up every correct answer, but we feel this new policy will more accurately reflect student learning.” Kauffman said.