Use metacognition to improve test performance

Students walk into our exams already weighed down by their worry about the test and the burdens from their lives. With some very simple steps, you can help clear the clutter in their minds and let them show you how much they actually can do on their exams. These metacognitive practices have been demonstrated to raise the average grade of your class. More generally, helping your students reflect on their knowledge, skills, and their own state can help them take charge of their own learning and performance.