Make up tests
For a few people, taking a test can be a traumatic experiance. Some people don't take tests well but are very good with tactile tests.At our institute, we have tests that are already made up. We as instructors don't change them. I will however, proctor make-up tests at the convience of the student. Now there has to be some specific time frame agreed on and adhered to. If left go long enough, the student will loose the info and usually will do poorly on the test.
Hi Kelli:
I agree and believe testing is the only way we can measure the degree of learning, and also the effectiveness of our teaching.
Regards, Barry
I totally agree with this. In my classes, I do allow make-up tests, however, they must be completed before the next class section (or on the Friday before the next week). I need to see if they retained the material before expecting them to move to the next step. If they have not scored well on the exam then tutoring sessions will be conducted.
Hi Bruno:
We want to be as fair as possible and this one way to assure that all students have equal opportunities to do their best. Many teachers (and institutions) downgrade a few points or percent if tests are taken after the regular, scheduled time.
Regards, Barry
Yes!! Whole heartedly, a short and fair time frame is of much importance!
Hi Sandra:
I think most teachers are willing to allow students to make up a missed exam as long as the circumstances appear valid. From my experience a penalty of a small percent (i.e. 10%)deduction is usually assessed along with that. Sometimes, the set-up to prepare for skill testing is quite time consuming and elaborate, like in science labs. In these instances, it may not be possible to make up the test at all. Sometimes, there are limits to student accomodations.
Regards, Barry
I also agree, make-up test should be different from the original test and should only be given within a certain time frame
Hi Samantha:
The following ideas may be useful if you have control over decision making for your class. Some institutions have policies limiting what choices a teacher has.
* I think all graded material should have a date and time associated with it. No exceptions beyond the staed times.
* Unless the circumstances are extremely unusual (hospitalization), there should be no make ups.
* If a make is given the highest grade is limited to say 50% of the orignal points (or less).
Students will push until you say no. All I have described, if discussed as matter of fact on the first day of class, then followed judiciously, will reduce your make-up test population - gauranteed!
Regards, Barry
When there is a big class of up to 40 people i find the percentage of missed tests are so high that make up tests are really time consuming. do you have any ideas on attendance for the original tests? is it a bad idea to anounce points will be duducted if they are not there on test days?
Hi Trevor:
Optimally, if make up tests are allowed, there is a department or institutional policy regarding the how, when, and where the make up will be done. This will help reduce the whinning from students who feel entitled after missing a test date.
Regards, Barry
I agree I like to do my make up test as early as possible, the grades tell the story If they wait too long in my experence they majority do worse if to much time has passed since the test was given in class.
Hi Nathan:
Absoutely true. It is our commission and duty to assist each student to fulfill their full potential in every class we teach.
Regards, Barry
The old days are not here anymore, also, if they are in bad shape we need to do everything in our power to put them in good shape.
Hi David:
Right. Students who are not willing to initiate their effort to earning their grades perhaps should earn them (i.e., no make up or extra credit). This probably varies by institutional policy.
Regards, Barry
Make up tests are a good indicator of curriculum retention. It is often discouraging to see how little a student retains course material after waiting a week to take a test. It is probably in the instructor's best interest to administer make-up tests asap if not just for student retention.
Hi Martin:
Most tests are scheduled to measure a students performance up to a certain point. Any make up could delay the student progressing, or even missing critical information needed for subsequent studies in the course.
Regards, Barry
I agree that you must set a time frame for make up test, the sooner the better. To often students will push it off until the last moment. If the student is having a problem with that part of your course, it could be too late to help them.
Hi Bryan:
I think good students will try to do their best and strive to improve. Others are not willing to do the work that earns them the grade or the information, even though they say "I'm trying". Still, others seem like they don't care. Kind of makes you wonder why that last group even comes to class some days.
Regards, Barry
i kinda look at things like this you know the info or your in bad shape the problem with this stuff is we (baby people to much today what happen to the old days)
Hi John:
Yes, using the same test assures that all students are being measured similarly. One could argue that the extra time given gives a slight advantage, but I don't know. Many instructors will automatically deduct a certain percentage or limit the maximum make-up grade to compensate. Ultimately, although grades are important, it comes down to the learning the student has received, and have they acheived the minimal acceptable amount of knowledge needed for the class, vocation, or profession.
Regards, Barry
