I am a NU 100 student going to an evening program and working full time.  Our program is refusing to give tests back to us.  They are saying they had a problem with cheating and now will not give tests back.  As students we feel like we have no idea what we are doing wrong or right.  I chose the answer I did for a reason and if I am not corrected then I will go on thinking that is the right way.  It scares me that I am being sent out to a clinical site and could hurt or not fully support a patient because I was not corrected during a test.  Just wanted to see any thoughts on this or if anyone knew anything the students could do to help get their tests back.

My teachers did the same thing and it made me maaaaddd!!  they should curb cheating by making new tests each semester!!  there are tons of nursing review books with questions, it would not be that hard to take questions out of these books and make up new tests.  I don't think you will change them but you should have a day in which the test is passed out, the entire thing is reviewed, and people can ask all of the questions they want.  At the end the test is collected. 

No i dont think they should be returned.

I have never gotten my tests back to keep.  We have been able to review them and see the error of our ways but never been able to keep them.  I really don't see the  advantage of keeping the test.  If I am able to know how and where I went wrong then I am happy.

~~Cheryl~~ 

Anonymous says ...

I don't think you should get your tests back.  I don't get mine back, we review but they are turned back in.  Makes sense because people could and would cheat.

Yes, many people will cheat if it be the case.

Cheers - Tim, R.N.

To those who think instructors should make new tests each semester - you have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. It is hard, very hard, to make tests.

Generally several, if not all, faculty members submit questions for tests. This is by request of the course facilitator. The questions are then winnowed for propriety and according to lecture materials already covered. You usually have to remind the other faculty members that you need their questions submitted as you have a deadline.

Then a test must be assembled. After it is assembled, if the assembler is smart and not overworked, it is completely reviewed.

Some institutions insist on a curriculum specialist checking it over. Even if not, then you must assemble the answer key and code the scantron (if used) to grade this new test. If not you must make multiple answer keys for you and your assistants.

Then you must print all these new tests.

While this is going on the course facilitator must still put on the regular classes, print any handouts, coordinate any clinicals they are teaching and so on.

Get real. Get used to it. You ain't gettin' the test back.