Cinzia Cervato, Professor in Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, acknowledges that administering an exam is a well-tested method of assessing student learning. In her class of approximately 500 students, however, she also uses exams as learning tools. The assessment/learning activity begins with each student first completing a standard bubble-sheet multiple-choice exam. Then, after handing in their answers, students get together in small groups and retake the exam collaboratively using textbooks and notes. Grades are based 75% on their first try, and 25% on the answers they come up with working together.

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