I gave quiz number three today. I have had two current events quizzes, but I haven’t had one over the things they’re supposed to have been reading, so I decided it was time. This was a real quiz this time. The first two have been very short and very quick. This quiz was composed of ten questions that actually required evidence of reading comprehension. I’ve learned that these kinds of quizzes do more than just tell me if they’re learning; they also tell me whether or not I’m covering the course concepts effectively.

The average score was between an 78% and an 79%, and I thought a couple of the questions were kind of tough, so I’m happy with those results. I generally want the averages to be between a 75% and an 80%, so this worked out well. Those scores are in the C to C+ range. When the scores are in that range, I know that most of them are getting what I’m teaching. If it’s a bit higher, I know I can teach it a little more in depth. If it’s a bit lower, I know I’m either not teaching it right or I’m talking above their heads.

I also have to look at each question individually. If they all missed the same question, I know I probably need to go over that concept again. If only a few of them missed it, but they all gave the same incorrect answer, I know they’re confusing the concept with something else, so I need to clarify it.