Body
Overview
While most students will be aware that they got a low score on their exam, they may not know why or where to focus their efforts. Adding information that includes the chapters, large concepts, or types of questions they struggled with can help them focus their efforts. In addition, including course-specific resources can help them identify what to do and who can help.
Use the examples below as a starting point when raising a Low Exam Score flag in MU Connect. The templates are organized into three different tones, but are intended to be flexible. Copy and paste the example as written, combine elements from multiple examples, and add course-specific details that provide helpful context for the student. Even a small amount of personalization can make your message more meaningful.
NOTE: This flag can be raised anytime using the My Students or Zoom In tabs in MU Connect or during Progress Survey availability (Weeks 4,5, 8, and 9, or Weeks 12 and 13 for 8WK2 and Journalism courses).
Formal Tone
- Your score on Exam 1 was below expectations, which suggests that there may be gaps in your understanding of the material. Please review the exam, revisit the related course content, and attend office hours on Thursday (see the syllabus for specifics) so that we can identify strategies for improvement. Remember, the lowest exam score is dropped, so there's still time to make up those points.
- That Chapter 4 quiz was difficult for everyone, but remember that there are study guides to help you. Email me if you'd like to discuss study strategies or course content.
- Your first exam score indicates that you may benefit from adjusting your study approach. Consider reviewing class notes, completing additional practice problems, and using the Learning Center. I'm happy to review the exam and answer questions.
- Your quiz over chapters 4-6 shows there are concepts that need additional review before the midterm. Please review those topics and let me know if you'd like to meet to discuss questions or strategies for improvement.
- Your score on Quiz 3 was lower than expected. Please review the course modules, revisit the areas you missed, and complete the practice activities before the next quiz. Remember that you can redo each quiz one time to make up half the points you missed. Email me if you'd like help creating a study plan.
Friendly Tone
- I know the Chapter 7 quiz didn't go the way you hoped, but one score doesn't define your semester. Remember, we drop the lowest quiz score, so there's still time to make up those points. Take some time to review the questions you missed and let's talk about ways to prepare for the next exam. I'm happy to help.
- I noticed your Quiz 4 score was lower than you'd expected. Try reviewing your notes, focusing on the concepts that gave you trouble, and working through some practice problems before the next quiz. Email me if you'd like to go over anything together.
- The midterm exam was challenging. Now it's time to figure out what didn't click so you can make adjustments before the next assessment. Let me know if you'd like to review the exam or talk through study strategies.
- Everyone has a tough exam now and then. The important thing is what you do next. Review the feedback, keep up with the upcoming material, and plan to attend the study session before the next exam. Let me know if you'd like to meet and make a plan before the next exam.
- I noticed you struggled on the quiz over chapters 4 through 6. Go back through the course modules, review the topics you missed, and spend some time with the practice materials before the next quiz. If you'd like some guidance, I'm happy to help.
Direct Tone
- Your first exam score was below where we want it to be. Review the exam, revisit the related course material, and email me if you have questions.
- I noticed you struggled on the Week 4 quiz. Focus on reviewing the topics you missed and complete the additional practice before the next quiz. Email me if you'd like help.
- You struggled on the quiz for Weeks 4-6, especially on the short-answer questions. You may need to adjust your study approach. Review the feedback, prepare for the next exam, and remember to use the study guides to help guide you. Email me or stop by my office hours (the details are in the syllabus) if you'd like to discuss a plan.
- Your second exam results indicate you need additional review of the course material. Attend my office hours next week (details are in the syllabus) or email me so we can talk through strategies for improvement.
- Your recent midterm was lower than we'd hoped. Review the course modules and practice exam before the next one. Email me if you'd like guidance.
The following email is sent to students when this flag is raised. The bracketed information is updated based on the individual's information. The highlighted portion is customizable by the instructor within MU Connect when raising the flag.
Subject: Low Score in [COURSE NAME]
[STUDENT FIRST NAME],
You recently received a low score in our class. I'm here to support you. Please contact me to come up with a plan for improvement.
[INSTRUCTOR FIRST AND LAST NAME]
[INSTRUCTOR EMAIL]
The Mizzou community is committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of our students. Check out some of the well-being resources on campus, along with the Learning Center's resources, including Academic Coaching, Tiger Tutors, Exam Reviews, and more.
Your instructor raised this flag for you, and the MU Connect team values your feedback. Please take a moment to complete a short survey about your experience with this message and the Early Alert process. You'll also have the option to let the MU Connect team know if you'd like additional follow-up or support.