Any type of test is stressful enough on its own, whether it's a college exam or a school test - not to mention the other factors that sometimes come into play, such as illness, personal problems, or a simple lack of preparation. If you have had bad results on a test for any reason, you might consider asking your teacher to let you do it again. Retrying a test means taking responsibility for your own education - many teachers will respect a sincere desire to try again to improve. However, asking for this kind of opportunity requires a certain tact, so be sure to prepare yourself in advance to talk to the teacher and to approach him with respect and honesty.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Trying to Understand Why You Didn't Pass the Test
Step 1. Find out what led you to fail the test
Didn't you study? Did you have a fight with your parents?
- Understanding the reasons for your poor performance can help you retake the test in a better way.
- Think about how much information you are willing to share with the teacher. If he were to ask you why you would like to retake the test, in fact, you should answer him honestly. If it is a personal motivation, you can always limit yourself to making generic allusions, answering for example "family problems" or "it is a difficult time". He is unlikely to try to meddle further.
Step 2. Review the test more than once
When you have the test at hand, double-check what you wrote and read any comments from the teacher. Did you understand the mistakes you made? Write down any questions that come to your mind.
Step 3. Ask yourself if you are ready to retake the test
If you simply haven't studied, then you can easily solve the problem. Other circumstances, however, may require a little more attention. Before talking to the teacher, try to understand what you can do to successfully pass the second attempt.
- If you are distracted by a personal problem, try to actively address it. Failing a test for these kinds of reasons indicates a problem that could affect the rest of your academic work as well, not to mention your personal happiness. You may find it helpful to talk to your friends or a counselor.
- If you are having difficulty with the study material, try taking tutoring from someone who can help you understand the more difficult topics.
Step 4. Prepare to retake the test before going to talk to the teacher
It may give you the opportunity to try again in a day or two, so you'll need to be ready. If you think you need more time, but you want to talk to the teacher as soon as possible, you will need to explain when you think you will be ready to take the test again and why.
Part 2 of 3: Talk to the teacher
Step 1. Go talk to the teacher at a favorable time
Which time is right is up to you, as you know it personally. Generally, the best opportunities are after a lesson or at the end of school hours.
- Talking to your teacher may only take a few minutes, but the conversation could also go on much longer. A good way to proceed is to ask the teacher himself what would be a good time to talk to him. It could be free at that very moment, or it could suggest a more favorable opportunity.
- Do not try to talk to the teacher before lessons. Usually he will be very busy at that time and it will be easier for him to get distracted.
Step 2. Take the test with you
Keeping the test handy could help the teacher determine the points on which you will need to work, in case he lets you take the test again. You may also have forgotten your grade, especially if your class is very large.
Also have any questions that came to your mind as you review your test handy. Be prepared
Step 3. Ask politely if it is possible to retake the test
Do not immediately start listing the reasons why you did not pass it; the teacher may suspect that she is making excuses for you.
Step 4. Recognize that failing the test was your fault
Accept your responsibilities in front of the teacher and state that you are trying to behave seriously by asking him for the opportunity to retake the test.
In this way you will immediately make it clear that you do not blame the teacher for your bad results
Step 5. Explain to the teacher the reasons why you think you got a bad grade, if asked
It is very likely that the teacher will ask you why you think you need to retake the test. If so, be honest. Letting him know the truth will allow him to understand how it can help you succeed in his subject.
Step 6. If necessary, set goals with the teacher
If you fail to reach a certain standard, in fact, it may ask you to study at least a certain number of hours a day.
- If you have difficulty with the study material, ask the teacher for help. It won't be able to explain it all over again, but it could point you in the right direction.
- If you intend to take repetitions, ask the teacher if he can recommend a good person.
Step 7. Thank him for his time, regardless of his response
Your teacher will have good reasons for whether or not you want to take the test again and you will have to respect his decision. At the very least, you will be able to learn more about what is expected of you and how to better prepare yourself for next time.
Part 3 of 3: Avoid Retaking a Test More Than Once
Step 1. Draw up a study plan
Being reduced to the last moment is never a good idea; instead he tries to establish a daily routine, to do his homework in a timely manner and constantly review the material of the lessons. Try to find quiet moments in which you can concentrate without interruption.
If you don't know where to start, ask your teacher for help
Step 2. Look for all the academic support you need
Some topics and subjects can be particularly difficult. Look for a tutor who can help you or a teacher to take repetitions from, so that you can deal with the subject that is causing you problems with more confidence.
Step 3. Seek emotional support if you need it
Unfortunately it is impossible to face any test in a completely neutral context: the various situations that arise in our life can interfere with our school performance. If you are having a hard time, talk to your family, friends, or a teacher you are comfortable with. Universities often also have free psychological counseling facilities for students.
Advice
- Do not whine and do not argue with the teacher. You would make him less willing to let you retake the test.
- The teacher will be more willing to have you retake a test if you generally get good results in that subject.
Warnings
- Just because the teacher has allowed you to take the test again does not mean that your problems are over. Strive to obtain significantly better results on the second attempt, so that the teacher does not regret the decision made.
- Don't lie to your teacher. Usually he will understand if what you tell him is just a made up excuse. Honesty is the best strategy.
- The teacher may be reluctant to have you retake a test more than once or twice.
