making up tests
i will only allow students to make up tests if they are having a valid excuse for their absence.
this will make them also more aware of how important it is to study and to be in class and be responsible for their own actions.kind of like it is in real life.
Hi Charleen:
Many institutions will have policies that teachers may have to follow. But there's no reason a downgraded penalty can't be assessed, or a time limit. Sometimes exceptions have to be made. Other times, students are just whinning and their flimsy excuses arn't even worth listening to.
Regards, Barry
I will only allow my students to make up test if they have a valid reason for their absence.
Hi Peggy:
Great. Indirectly this no make-up quizz policy also improves accountability, responsibility, cooperation, and dependabilty - all traits that make better employees regardless of the trade or profession they're in.
Regards, Barry
At my institution, we cannot make-up quizzes. If they come in after the quiz, they are also not allowed to take the quiz and therefore receive a zero for that quiz. The students tend to show up on a regular basis for quiz day .... on off-quiz days, we can give pop quizes... attendance seems to be much better.
Hi Christopher:
Sometimes these matters do get a bit sticky. I agree and feel giving clear, written guidelines that all have to follow at the begining of the class (instructor and student alike) can amiliorate some of the differences that come up, but not all. Soemetimes there just needs to be a decision maker who decides and all abide by the "ruling".
Regards, Barry
How can you fairly apply subjectivity to allowing a student to make up a test or not?
When I taught in the classroom, I was always trying to be a judge and it wasn't fair to either me or the students. Over the years I learned that I am not qualified to determine a legitimate cause for making up a test, so they either all got to make up the test with the same deduction or none of the students made up the test regardless of the reason, it would remain a zero.
Consistency is key and instructors often apply their own judgments to make up work and they cannot remain consistent. The safest method is to apply the make up policy to all "like" students.
Hi Toni:
I think specifics in policies like these create some of the difficulty. For me, it's seems better to use something like "Medical absences with a note from the doctor", or Court hearing with a Judge or Court affidavit", etc. Foirmal, legitimate, and related only to true circumstances beyond the students control.
Regards, Barry
Hi Walter,
I agree with you about only doing make-up tests and accepting late assignments for students with valid excuses. However, phrases like "valid excuses" and "case-by-case basis" can bring on no end of problems. My idea of a valid escuse can be very different from that of my students. Any suggestions on how to create a policy that is tight enough to prevent chaos but at the same time is not completely draconian?
Toni Leahy
Hi Joslynn:
As inferred in past posts, policies for retakes are often dictated by the institutional management. When there is lattitude given to the instructor, strict and clear guidelines should be stated up front and then adhered to by all.
Regards, Barry
Hi June:
Oftentimes the policies for retakes is goverened by the institution. When it's not, I think there should be clearly defined expectations stated (in writing) given at the beginning of the couse as to what grading and circumstances retakes are permitted.
Regards, Barry
I feel the same way, if a student has a valid reason for missing a test that he or she has been aware of for at least 2 weeks. I know things in life come up ie child care issues, ilness, car problems. But I also take into account what kind of student they are. If they are missing all the time and their grandma or dog has died 6 times in a semester I will probably want to see a doctors note or the cremation certificate, just to be sure. :)
I too will give students a makeup exam only if the excuse is valid; i.e., present with a medical doctor's note, for example. My tests are scheduled. So, therefore, they know when they need to be prepared by.
Hi Barbara:
Good approach to defining expectations. I think students tend to behave given the level of expectation given them. So, when expectations are simple, clear, written, and provided at the outset, it makes for a stronger case if you have to downgrade an assignment or perhaps administer discipline.
Regards, Barry
I state in my introduction (on the first day of class) what the rules are so there will be no misunderstanding.It is also printed in the introduction to the curriculum.
Not only must the reason be valid in my book but documented such as medical or court. I feel that students who are held accountable will be more responsible adults and therefore more successful.
Hi Germain:
Many schools have similar policies. I agree its a good one to follow.
Regards, Barry
Germain:
If that's consistent with you school policy, then great!
Regards, Barry
I agree the same policy for me
The next day they return they must take the test it is in the sylibus
Hi Anthony:
I think for many reasons, least among them retention of studied material, the sooner the better.
Regards, Barry
