Homework quizzes need to be tweaked to actually test for understanding

Homework quizzes are a viable tool to encourage students to actually complete the readings, but they need to be improved.

Quizzes on homework are staples in many classes around campus. STEM and humanities courses alike use them to determine whether students are understanding class concepts or completing their assigned reading.

I want to clarify — I’m not against homework quizzes. These quizzes are the only reason I was motivated to do Cornell Notes all last year in AP U.S. History.

The problem I have with some homework quizzes is that they too often ask for mainly ultra-obscure information from the notes and end up not assessing actual understanding of the material.

These quizzes shouldn’t ask esoteric facts that appear in the margins of the textbook. For example, I could have a good understanding of the Battle of Little Bighorn without knowing what General Custer’s first girlfriend’s name was (if he even had one). I’m only being slightly hyperbolic, but the reality is that homework quizzes would be more effective if they tested broad, important concepts and not rote memorization. This would also serve as a great unit and final test prep for students — a win-win, in other words.

Ideally, homework quizzes are tools that help students. Being able to see when your understanding or note-taking falls short is important, and quizzes help identify one’s weaker points. They can help build and reinforce skills and knowledge.

For example, structuring homework quizzes to reflect what students should know either for an upcoming test or necessary information they should’ve understood from the reading would serve as a tool to help students identify their weak points before an exam as well as helping them take more efficient notes in the future.

Note to teachers: Please alter your homework quiz writing and structure to best prepare your students for overall success and depth of knowledge rather than aiming for a “gotcha!” moment.