What should a teacher consider first when a large number of students miss the same questions on a test?

When a large number of students miss the same questions on a test, it is essential for the teacher to consider whether the content covered in those questions was taught during the unit. This is crucial because if students are missing questions on material that was not adequately addressed in instruction, it indicates a significant gap in their learning and understanding.

Understanding the effectiveness of instructional practices is fundamental to fostering student success. If the material was not thoroughly covered, the teacher may need to revisit the curriculum and adjust lesson plans to ensure that all necessary concepts are effectively taught. This reflection leads to better alignment between teaching and assessment, ultimately improving student performance and comprehension.

Considering factors like where students sat, the importance of the questions, or the percentage of the test that specific questions represent can be relevant but are secondary to evaluating if the instructional content was sufficiently delivered. If foundational concepts are not taught, students will struggle regardless of those other details.