Since my daughter began her online schooling journey in the fall of 2020, she has been exposed to a new educational policy: the option to resubmit assignments or retake tests. If she’s not satisfied with a grade, she has two additional opportunities to improve it.
Initially, when I discovered this feature, I was skeptical. Would this truly foster learning? Isn’t it akin to cheating if one can simply review their mistakes and fix them? Wouldn’t everyone achieve top grades under such circumstances? What about the students who diligently prepare and earn an A on their first attempt? Shouldn’t their achievements be more commendable than those of a student who scores a C, then a B, and finally an A?
However, I soon realized that, at least in my daughter’s virtual school program, it’s not as straightforward as merely correcting errors. She is required to redo the entire assignment or test — with questions rearranged, some omitted, and new ones added.
This isn’t a quick fix. To truly enhance her grade on subsequent attempts, she must invest real effort into studying. Knowing that I will require her to redo tasks if her overall performance declines or if it’s clear she isn’t trying hard enough motivates her to focus and do well the first time around.
I’ve noticed that when she revisits an assignment, she gains much more than just a better grade. If she underperformed, it’s often due to distractions or a lack of focus. By redoing the work, she identifies her gaps in understanding, refreshes her memory, and most importantly, retains the knowledge more effectively. Instead of rushing to the next topic with unresolved issues, she builds a strong foundation for future learning. She achieves mastery.
And isn’t mastery the ultimate goal of education?
A tweet from 2019 by a teacher named Mark Johnson has recently gained traction. “Yes, your 5th grader can redo any test or quiz. No, I don’t care how many times they retake it. Yes, they can submit assignments late. I’m an adult who values grace and mercy. I can extend that to kids.”
In response to the pandemic, many educators have reevaluated their grading practices. Students have been experiencing heightened anxiety and uncertainty. Acknowledging this, educators are now allowing resubmissions and retakes — leading to the resurgence of this tweet. Some teachers have long embraced this approach.
For example, Sophia, a high school teacher in California, has made it standard practice in her classroom to allow students to make up almost all assignments. “Learning comes from revising and editing,” she explains. “Denying students the chance to learn from their mistakes takes away their opportunity to grow.” Sophia emphasizes the diverse backgrounds of her students, arguing that imposing strict requirements on those who have faced trauma or instability would be unjust.
Likewise, April Collins adopts a “try again” philosophy while homeschooling her children. “When they struggle with tests, we discuss what went wrong. It’s counterproductive to move on if they haven’t grasped the material,” she states.
Some learners require repetition to strengthen their long-term memory, while others may experience test anxiety. Allowing retakes can help them overcome their fears and earn grades that reflect their true understanding of the subject. Many students also come from non-English speaking backgrounds, adding another layer to the argument against rigid deadlines and final grades.
This approach does not suggest that teachers should provide unlimited chances for revisions, potentially overwhelming themselves. It’s important to teach students about deadlines and accountability. Integrating opportunities to redo assignments and retake tests doesn’t negate responsibility; rather, it introduces balance.
We often discuss preparing students for the “real world,” yet we act as if adulthood offers no second chances. In reality, becoming a competent adult in both professional and personal realms frequently involves facing failure, reassessing, and starting anew. Education is about mastering subjects, but it’s equally about personal growth and learning how to learn.
So why limit students to a single attempt? Why not let them learn from their setbacks? If a student expresses a desire to improve, it’s our responsibility to allow them that chance. As Sophia aptly puts it, “If a student wants to work hard to improve, what kind of teacher would I be if I denied them that opportunity?”
For more insights, check out this other blog post on the importance of resilience in education.
Summary
This article advocates for allowing students to resubmit work and retake tests, emphasizing that such practices promote mastery and personal growth. It highlights the necessity of grace in education, especially in light of the challenges posed by the pandemic. By fostering an environment where students can learn from their mistakes, educators can encourage resilience and a deeper understanding of the material.
Keyphrase: Schools Allowing Resubmission of Work
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