Sometime I notice patterns after I have graded a stack of tests. It might be that students did particularly poorly on the TF, or on the Multiple Choice. I will do an evaluation by listing scores with intended weighting, then reworking the scores as if the point values of test sections were realligned. There is no definite pattern as to when or if a particular section appears to have been more problematic, but sometimes this does occur. On a recent exam, just about every student made more errors on the MC than on the TF. I ended up reducing the Point value on the MC to 2 from 3 points, and shifting those extra points among the TF and the essay questions. Virtually every student ultimately earned a higher score! I would not do the shifting if any student were to suffer-I would come up with a better "solution." There was no need to throw the test out or give a supplemental exam. I DO not ever have to curve exams. Perhaps i might if I deemed it necessary, but I assume I adequately prepare my students for my rigorous exams and it generates very reasonable results. I do actually explain to students when I make these adjustments.
