Make up test
I allow the student to make up a test the next time they come to class but I let them know that it is their responsability to come to me to make it up.
Ramona,
As instructors, we need to measure the students learning as much as the student needs to make up a test. But after the the due date, it's only fair to award a deduction of some sort.
Barry Westling
I agree, it is important to give the student the opportunity to make up their tests. My students know that I deduct points for every missed class and it is their responsibility to make arrangements for the make up.
Robin ,
I believe each institution has to decide these kinds of policies. The main thing is that it is fair, consistent for all students, and guidlines clearly spelled out. What is an "emergency" to one person is jus a minor inconvenience to another.
Barry Westling
Our students are told the first day of class that quizzes may not be made up - Although instructors have the option to allow a make-up. We allow up to 3 school days for missed test make-ups in the student testing center. This works across the board. Of course, pending individual circumstances, such as death in the family, the 3 day make-up is flexible. Again, this testing policy causes few if any issues and allows students to plan or discuss with their instructors accordingly.
Edric,
Each institution has to decide what works best for them. This sounds fine. In my experience what may be a good excuse to one student can be a very lousy excuse to another. I think that's why some institutions apply a downgrade as a motivation to show up for class when the exam is first given.
Barry Westling
Our students have to have a good excuse not to miss an exam. They must also notify us in advance if they are going to be absent. We always have two or more versions of exams so that repeat questions will not appear on subsequent alternative exams. We usually do not subtract points as long as the syllabus guidelines are met.
Sheneka,
Addressing make up exams is usually best left up to the institution and/or individual instructor. My opinion is it should be fair. We want to recognize or document learning while honoring due dates and the classmates who did the assignment on time. No one system will work best in all settings and institutions. Whatever system is used, consistency should be maintained.
Barry Westling
I have used a point system rather than a percentage for make up work-10 points for each day. Your percentage deduction I think might be more effective because it lets the student know the value you place on assignments turned in on time and also does not leave missing grades for make up work open for over a week at a time like my current system does. Thanks for sharing
Jacqueline,
This sounds OK. Some instructors will assess a "late assessment", something along the lines of 10%.
Barry Westling
Our institution has made the policy that the student must make up the test as soon as they have returned from the absence and they are given a different test. I think it is a good policy and students seem to not mind and that help the student to take responsibility to take the test and other student will feel that it is fair.
Sebastian,
Interesting. This process seems to have merit, and if your institution allows it, I would stick with it.
Barry Westling
One of the best tools I use for make-up was learned in a module. My policy has been a 25% deduction per day after the assignment is due. That way, there is no reason to discuss this after 4 days.
Also, to eliminate make-up exam issue, make-up exams are only given on the last day of class after the final exam. This process has been extremely effective for me dealing with late and missed assignments and exams.
Mary,
Fair is fair. I think these things should be discussed on the first day, then adhered too.
Barry Westling
I feel that students that dont show on test day must have a good excuss ot take a make up test, due to the fact most students that dont show on test day are the ones that did not study so they want that extra day to study. Its not far to the students that did study and came to class on test day.
Stacy,
Each institution has to decide what their own policy is and best practices are. To measure learning, we're going to have to assess the student who miss exams. Many institutions put the criteria for missed exams in their syllabus, and usually includes a small percentage downgrade (i.e., 10%).
Barry Westling
