“FRUMD” Your Test
The “FRUMD” method is a tool I share with my students to help them better understand how they can improve their test results. Here’s how I explain it to them:
How can you do better on your next test – be it a science test or otherwise? If you have ever said, “I spent hours studying for this test but didn’t get the mark I expected” then it’s time for a little test self-analysis.
As we take up the test in class, I expect you to make corrections and, for those corrected questions, write one of the following letters next to the question: F, R, U, M or D.
These letters stand for the following:
If for a question you didn’t cover the material in your review, put an “R” next to the question. If this is a common occurrence you need to ensure you have a list of work that needs to be studied before you start on your test review.
“U” next to a question means you did not understand the concept. If this occurs on your test please get clarification on the topic before the test. Ask in class, in the hallway or at an extra help session. If you understand the concept it will tend to stick in your memory and mean you are less stressed than if you spend time trying to understand the concept on your own the night before the test.
If you misread the question, or you did not carefully read your answer to make sure it makes sense, put an “M” next to that question. Read more carefully next time!
Finally, if you did not provide enough detail, put a “D” next to the question. This might be tied in with forgetting information. Give as full an answer as possible. Could a diagram have helped illustrate your answer? Were you giving the number of points that you thought the answer needed (it’s out of two so I’ll give two points)? Better to include all points that are relevant to the answer. Be concise but complete.
Once you have done the analysis for each individual question that was not correct, write a statement, on the top of the test, to yourself (and me) that will guide you in studying for the next test. This way you are using assessment as a way of learning. The aim is for you to improve your test-taking technique in this, and other, subjects as you go forward. Hand your test in. I will read your comment, record your marks and return your test next time I see you.
You might choose this technique to help improve other areas of your work. For example, labs could be analyzed with a U, M and D.
Hope this helps.
Back
As we take up the test in class, I expect you to make corrections and, for those corrected questions, write one of the following letters next to the question: F, R, U, M or D.
These letters stand for the following:
- F = Forgot
- R = Review
- U = Understanding
- M = Misread question
- D = Detail
If for a question you didn’t cover the material in your review, put an “R” next to the question. If this is a common occurrence you need to ensure you have a list of work that needs to be studied before you start on your test review.
“U” next to a question means you did not understand the concept. If this occurs on your test please get clarification on the topic before the test. Ask in class, in the hallway or at an extra help session. If you understand the concept it will tend to stick in your memory and mean you are less stressed than if you spend time trying to understand the concept on your own the night before the test.
If you misread the question, or you did not carefully read your answer to make sure it makes sense, put an “M” next to that question. Read more carefully next time!
Finally, if you did not provide enough detail, put a “D” next to the question. This might be tied in with forgetting information. Give as full an answer as possible. Could a diagram have helped illustrate your answer? Were you giving the number of points that you thought the answer needed (it’s out of two so I’ll give two points)? Better to include all points that are relevant to the answer. Be concise but complete.
Once you have done the analysis for each individual question that was not correct, write a statement, on the top of the test, to yourself (and me) that will guide you in studying for the next test. This way you are using assessment as a way of learning. The aim is for you to improve your test-taking technique in this, and other, subjects as you go forward. Hand your test in. I will read your comment, record your marks and return your test next time I see you.
You might choose this technique to help improve other areas of your work. For example, labs could be analyzed with a U, M and D.
Hope this helps.
