What are exam wrappers?

An exam wrapper is a metacognitive strategy or reflection tool that students can use to analyze and reflect on their performance in exams or assessments. It involves a set of questions or prompts that guide students in reviewing their test-taking strategies, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and developing strategies for improvement in future assessments.

The purpose of an exam wrapper is to encourage students to engage in metacognition, the process of thinking about one’s own thinking and learning. By reflecting on their exam performance, students can gain insights into their study habits, test preparation strategies, and areas where they may need additional support or practice.

How can you use exam wrappers in your course?

The typical method of utilizing exam wrappers is the following:

1. Pre-Exam Preparation: Before taking the exam, students are introduced to the concept of the exam wrapper and its purpose. They may be provided with a set of questions or prompts to consider while reviewing their study materials and preparing for the exam.
2. Exam Completion: After completing the exam, students receive their graded papers or assessments.
3. Reflection: Students engage in a structured reflection process using the exam wrapper. They review their performance, consider the questions or prompts provided, and reflect on their study strategies, test-taking approaches, and areas of strength and weakness. This reflection process helps them gain insights into their learning process and identify areas for improvement.
4. Goal Setting: Based on their reflections, students set specific goals or action steps for improving their performance in future exams. These goals could include adjusting study techniques, seeking additional support, or implementing new strategies for managing test anxiety.
5. Follow-up and Support: Instructors may review the exam wrappers and provide feedback or guidance to support students’ goal-setting process. They may also offer resources, study tips, or suggestions for improving exam performance.

What results can you expect from incorporating exam wrappers into your course?

The use of exam wrappers encourages students to take an active role in their learning, develop metacognitive awareness, and make intentional improvements in their study habits and test-taking strategies. It can help students become more self-regulated learners and improve their overall academic performance. While your individual interactions with your students in a large lecture course are not as common as in smaller courses, exam wrappers can help you guide your students through the learning process and develop skills for self-analysis.

Who can help if you’re interested in incorporating exam wrappers into your course?

For more thoughts on metacognition as a whole (of which exam wrappers make an important part), please consult the Center for Teaching’s Handbook for Teaching Excellence’s chapter on metacognition.

Another resource for implementing metacognitive strategies is the Learning at Iowa Instructor Resources. Learning at Iowa is supported by P3 strategic funding as part of the University’s strategic plan.

If you would like to explore how you could use this in your course, please reach out to the Center for Teaching for assistance and guidance on how best to implement these activities.