Using Reflective Student-Written Exams to Promote Learning

In August 2010, President Obama addressed the graduating class at Texas University and said, “In a single generation, we’ve fallen from 1st place to 12th place in college graduation rates for young adults” (CNN Wire Staff, 2010). Prior to- and since then, higher education research continues to emphasize student connection, critical thinking, and metacognition, as ways to help students engage in the learning process. In this regard, one technique to encourage student learning and empowerment is student-written reflective exams.