Policy on Formative Feedback (Pre-clerkship Curriculum)
McGovern Medical School requires that all students receive regular formative feedback that will allow students to measure their progress during the course/module. Compliance with this policy is monitored by the Pre-clerkship Education Subcommittee and is centrally monitored by the Office of Educational Programs.
The formative feedback process is as follows:
- There will be a formative assessment each week except for exam weeks.
- All formative assessments are weighted equally. For each course/module, a maximum of 3 points will be added to the final grade, regardless of course/module length. These points are based on the number of formative assessments that score over 70%.
- Students receive a numeric score and are able to read the rationale for correct answers.
- The formative assessment administered at the midpoint of each block or module is mandatory and will be structured to provide a more reliable benchmark for progress.
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- The midpoint assessment will be administered on Monday mornings
- The midpoint assessment will contain up to 40 questions, and students will be allowed 90 sec per question for a total exam time of up to 60 minutes.
- The midpoint assessment will be cumulative. For example, if the midpoint assessment falls after 3 weeks, then there will be 10 questions from Week 1, 10 from Week 2 and 20 from Week 3. The specific distribution will be communicated to students in advance. Scores < 70% will trigger interaction with a Learning Specialist. Students who do not submit the assessment at the scheduled time must contact the Office of Admissions and Students Affairs for remediation instructions. Students must complete the midpoint formative exam to successfully complete the course.
- A student with an unexcused absence must take the midpoint per policy but will not receive credit toward bonus point accrual.
- Features of the midpoint assessment may be adjusted depending on specific circumstances, including student feedback, with advance notice to students.