What to Do with Test Scores
Helping You Understand your Test and Exams
As the semester goes on, you will be taking tests: in the IEP courses, it is usual to take around four tests in each class! Tests during a course are to be expected, but how do you read the scores?
In “My Grades” on Blackboard, you will see an overall score from a test. Your teacher may give you an S or a U or just a number (75% and up is S). This is, of course, important: you want to know how you’re doing on the tests! Maybe your teacher even gives you details on how you did.
But test scores are not there to make you nervous, happy, or sad. Instead, you should look at test scores as a reminder. How are you working on your English skills in class? How are you practicing outside class? If your test scores are Satisfactory, it means you are doing things right and you should continue.
If your test scores are low, however, it is time to take action: you need to do something. The key is not always to “study more.” It may be that how you practice, especially outside of class, is not the best way to improve.
To change the way you study or practice, share with your classmates how you do homework or practice and listen to what they do. And if you don’t know where to start? Talk to your teacher. They can recommend what to do to succeed.
Test scores are not why you study—they are feedback on how your English skills are developing. So don’t worry about one bad test. One low test score will not cause you to fail the course or repeat the level! Your teacher is watching your progress—the test scores only confirm whether you are ready to move on to the next level, or next stage of your education, and remind you if your practice is successful.