How necessary are cumulative reviews/tests?

[Angela in NC]

My dd is doing very well with her Biology and Algebra tests. She is now at the point of quarterly tests or cumulative reviews? Would she benefit from taking these tests? Thank you, Angela

[Susan C.]

We didn't do them for Biology, and occasionally I used the Algebra ones for a cumulative review, not a test.

[SusanAR]

Personally, I think it is important to do in algebra since upper maths build upon it. There are so many concepts in algebra that it is difficult to retain them all. Cumulative tests help cement them.
We also did/do cumulative tests in science.

[Jane in NC]

At some point in high school, students need to become accustomed to taking cumulative tests. Many college courses will have cumulative finals on which the final grade weighs heavily (25-50%). Also, an AP score (and the possibility of college credit) sits on one three hour, cumulative exam. There is a skill to taking this sort of test--it is not natural for all students.

That said, I have always had a hard time giving a cumulative test in a class like Algebra in which one chapter often depends on the previous. In order to proceed with the material, one has to master the old. Biology, on the other hand, has a number of related but not so dependent major topics. A cumulative test may help the student make connections between what may seem to be disparate topics.

Jane

[periwinkle]

At some point in high school, students need to become accustomed to taking cumulative tests. Many college courses will have cumulative finals on which the final grade weighs heavily (25-50%). Also, an AP score (and the possibility of college credit) sits on one three hour, cumulative exam. There is a skill to taking this sort of test--it is not natural for all students.

That said, I have always had a hard time giving a cumulative test in a class like Algebra in which one chapter often depends on the previous. In order to proceed with the material, one has to master the old. Biology, on the other hand, has a number of related but not so dependent major topics. A cumulative test may help the student make connections between what may seem to be disparate topics.

Jane

:iagree:

[Angela in NC]

I will plan to use the reviews and tests. It can't hurt.:001_smile: Thank you, Angela