(53) Evaluating the Effect of In-Course Exam Remediation on Learning Retention and Academic Progression

Objective : The objectives of this study were two-fold: (1) To determine whether implementation of an exam remediation process within a Pharmacotherapy course decreased the number of students needing comprehensive re-examination to pass the course, and (2) To evaluate student perception of the impact of the exam remediation process on retention of course material, improvement of study skills, and avoidance of course failure.

Methods: Following each exam, students could attend a remediation session. At the session, the students provided a rationale for why the correct answer was correct and their answer was wrong for each missed question using Respondus Lockdown Browser and Canvas New Quizzes. The remediation included a mandatory reflection question about exam preparation. Remediation attempts were graded, and partial credit awarded for each accurate rationale. Remediation points earned were added to the exam score.

At the conclusion of the quarter, we invited students to evaluate the effectiveness of the exam remediation process on the study objectives using an anonymous online Watermark survey.

Results: The percentage of students requiring comprehensive re-examination to pass Infectious Disease decreased from 11% in 2022 (without remediation process) to 6.5% in 2023 (with remediation process). Two-thirds of the class completed the survey and indicated that the remediation process was beneficial in improving retention (97%), study habits (81%), and helping avoid course failure (100%).

Conclusions: The exam remediation process decreased percentage of students needing comprehensive re-examination to pass Infectious Disease and improved student retention. The exam remediation process is now required for all pharmacotherapy courses.